Finding Curium

Finding Curium

A. How is it Obtained?

Curium is obtain by helium-ion bombardment of Pu^239.The helium ion contributed two protons and two neutrons nucleus, thus increasing the atomic number by two and the atomic mass by 4. However, during the process, one neutron is lost, therefore, the net increase in atomic mass is only three, which produces Cm²⁴².

^{239Pu(a ,n)²⁴²Cm.

        By subjecting "americium-241 to
prolonged neutron radiation," which resulted in americium-242, and then by
spontaneous beta decay, the pure elemental form was produced (Exploring Chemical
Elements and their Compounds 343).
^{241Am(n,g )^242mAm® ²⁴²Cm+b -

^{B.
      Natural Abundance and Occurrence}

          Curium
is not a natural occurring element, therefore, it cannot be found in nature.
However, minute amounts can be found as natural deposits of uranium, "as a result of
a sequence of neutron captures and beta decays sustained by the very low flux of neutrons
naturally present in uranium ores." Curium can also be found in human
body. Curium tends to accumulate in bone narrow, which destroys the red blood cells
due to its radioactivity.}}