Question

Americium, atomic number \(95,\) is used in household smoke detectors. What is the symbol for americium? Is americium a metal, a nonmetal, or a metalloid?

Short answer

The symbol for americium is 'Am', and it is a metal.

Step-by-step solution

Identifying Americium's Symbol

Americium, with an atomic number of 95, is represented by the chemical symbol 'Am' on the periodic table. The symbol is often derived from the first letters of an element's name or its Latin name which sometimes reflects the country where it was discovered.

Classifying Americium

Americium is classified as a metal in the periodic table. It is part of the actinide series, which includes a series of 15 metallic elements from actinium to lawrencium. These are typically heavy and radioactive elements.

Key concepts

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of all known chemical elements. It is a great tool for studying chemical behavior and understanding the properties of elements. Each element is placed in a specific location on the periodic table based on its atomic number, which is the number of protons in its nucleus.
This organization allows scientists and students to quickly understand various properties of elements, like how they might react with others.

• Elements are arranged in rows called periods and columns called groups.
• Each element is represented by a unique chemical symbol and a specific atomic number.
• The periodic table is divided into metals, non-metals, and metalloids based on each element's properties.

Understanding the layout and grouping of elements on the periodic table aids in predicting chemical reactions and the properties of different materials we encounter in everyday life.

Chemical Symbols

Chemical symbols are shorthand representations used to denote elements in the periodic table. Each symbol usually consists of one or two letters.
When looking at chemical symbols, it's important to know:

• Most symbols are derived from the element's name in English, such as 'O' for Oxygen.
• Some symbols are based on their Latin names like 'Na' for Sodium (Natrium in Latin).
• Chemical symbols are also used in equations to represent the elements involved in chemical reactions.

For example, Americium's symbol is 'Am', which refers directly to its placement and its understanding within the periodic table. Understanding chemical symbols is crucial for studying chemistry since they're foundational in writing and interpreting chemical formulas.

Metals

Metals are a significant part of the periodic table and play a crucial role in everyday life. They have distinct characteristics that make them incredibly useful. Here are some typical properties of metals:

• Metals tend to be good conductors of heat and electricity.
• They are generally malleable, meaning they can be hammered or shaped without breaking.
• Most metals are ductile, which means they can be drawn into thin wires.
• They often have a shiny surface or luster when polished.

When classifying elements on the periodic table, approximately three-fourths are metals, like Americium, and they usually appear on the left side and the center of the table. Recognizing the properties of metals is fundamental for understanding material science and chemistry-related applications.

Actinide Series

The actinide series is a specific group on the periodic table, known for its unique properties and includes Americium. This series consists of 15 elements, ranging from atomic numbers 89 to 103, specifically from Actinium to Lawrencium. Key features of the actinide series include:

• They are all heavy elements, usually heavier than most other metallic elements.
• Except for three, all actinides are synthetic (man-made) and do not occur naturally.
• They are typically radioactive, meaning they can release energy and convert into different elements over time.
• Actinides have similar properties to d-block metals, yet they fill the 5f electron orbital.

These elements are significant in fields like nuclear energy and research due to their radioactivity. Understanding the actinide series helps in appreciating the complexity and potential uses of metals like Americium.