Atomic Number
96
Element 96
Curium (Cm)
Curium is a radioactive chemical element with symbol Cm and atomic number 96. This element of the actinide series was named after Marie and Pierre Curie – both were known for their research on radioactivity.
Atomic Mass
247 u
Category
Actinide
Period
7
Group
Actinide series
Phase
solid
Density
13.51 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 32, 25, 9, 2
Atomic Structure
Protons: 96. Electrons: 96. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s² 5f⁷ 6d¹
Why Curium Matters
Curium helps connect atomic number 96, actinide behavior, period 7 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 247 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s² 5f⁷ 6d¹ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Curium was discovered 1944 by Glenn T. Seaborg, Ralph A. James, Albert Ghiorso. Curium is a radioactive chemical element with symbol Cm and atomic number 96. This element of the actinide series was named after Marie and Pierre Curie – both were known for their research on radioactivity.
Safety and Handling Context
Curium 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 Curium?
- Curium has atomic number 96, which means a neutral atom has 96 protons and 96 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Curium?
- The chemical symbol for Curium is Cm.
- What category is Curium in?
- Curium is classified as a actinide and sits in period 7 of the periodic table.
Explore Curium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Curium to neighboring elements without losing your place.