Atomic Number
62
Element 62
Samarium (Sm)
Samarium is a chemical element with symbol Sm and atomic number 62. It is a moderately hard silvery metal that slowly oxidizes in air.
Atomic Mass
150.36 u
Category
Lanthanide
Period
6
Group
Lanthanide series
Phase
solid
Density
7.52 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 24, 8, 2
Atomic Structure
Protons: 62. Electrons: 62. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f⁶
Why Samarium Matters
Samarium helps connect atomic number 62, lanthanide behavior, period 6 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 150.36 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f⁶ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Samarium was discovered 1879 by Lecoq de Boisbaudran. Samarium is a chemical element with symbol Sm and atomic number 62. It is a moderately hard silvery metal that slowly oxidizes in air.
Safety and Handling Context
Samarium is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Samarium?
- Samarium has atomic number 62, which means a neutral atom has 62 protons and 62 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Samarium?
- The chemical symbol for Samarium is Sm.
- What category is Samarium in?
- Samarium is classified as a lanthanide and sits in period 6 of the periodic table.
Explore Samarium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Samarium to neighboring elements without losing your place.