Element 95

Americium (Am)

Americium is a radioactive chemical element with symbol Am and atomic number 95. This transuranic element of the actinide series is located in the periodic table under the lanthanide element europium, and thus by analogy was named after the Americas.

Atomic Number

95

Atomic Mass

243 u

Category

Actinide

Period

7

Group

Actinide series

Phase

solid

Density

12 g/cm3

Electron Shells

2, 8, 18, 32, 25, 8, 2

Atomic Structure

Protons: 95. Electrons: 95. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.

Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s² 5f⁷

Why Americium Matters

Americium helps connect atomic number 95, actinide behavior, period 7 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 243 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s² 5f⁷ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.

Discovery and Occurrence

Americium was discovered 1944 by Glenn T. Seaborg, Ralph A. James, Leon O. Morgan, Albert Ghiorso. Americium is a radioactive chemical element with symbol Am and atomic number 95. This transuranic element of the actinide series is located in the periodic table under the lanthanide element europium, and thus by analogy was named after the Americas.

Safety and Handling Context

Americium has radioactive isotopes or is commonly discussed with radioactive materials. Use this page as an educational reference; real samples require qualified supervision and controlled handling.

Related Elements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the atomic number of Americium?
Americium has atomic number 95, which means a neutral atom has 95 protons and 95 electrons.
What is the chemical symbol for Americium?
The chemical symbol for Americium is Am.
What category is Americium in?
Americium is classified as a actinide and sits in period 7 of the periodic table.

Explore Americium in 3D

Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Americium to neighboring elements without losing your place.