Properties of Americium

    Americium is an extremely heavy element with an atomic mass (in its most stable form) of 243. The element is radioactive and is an alpha-emitter when decomposing. The rate of decomposition varies depending on the americium isotope (see isotope table in "facts" page).

    While the americium atom only has 95 protons/electrons, there are 148 neutrons.  The abundance of neutrons is the result of bombarding the plutonium atom with neutrons.  Americium has a hexagonal crystal structure.

    Americium is classified as a rare earth metal.   It appears in a silvery ductile metal form. It is very malleable and non-magnetic, however it does become a super-conductor at –272.36 ^oC. Americium is the only known radioactive element to have these capabilities. Pretty cool huh? 

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Americium

Electronic Periodic Table