Question

Element 61 was named for the mythological Greek Prometheus who stole fire from the gods. Refer to the periodic table and state whether $\mathrm{Pm}$ has any stable isotopes.

Short answer

Promethium (54) does not have any stable isotopes; all its isotopes are radioactive.

Step-by-step solution

Access the Periodic Table

To determine whether Promethium (Pm) has stable isotopes, we first need to consult a periodic table. This is where we can find essential information about the elements, including their atomic number, symbol, and isotopic properties.

Locate Promethium on the Periodic Table

Find Promethium on the periodic table by looking for its chemical symbol, Pm, which corresponds to atomic number 61. This will provide us with a starting point for understanding more about this element.

Identify Information about Isotopes

Once located, examine the properties and notes for Promethium on the periodic table or a detailed periodic table reference. This often includes information on whether the element has stable or only radioactive isotopes.

Conclusion from the Data

Upon review, you will discover that Promethium does not have any stable isotopes. All isotopes of Promethium are radioactive, and it is one of the few elements on the periodic table to possess this characteristic.

Key concepts

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a fundamental tool in chemistry and helps scientists understand elements at a glance. It's organized by increasing atomic numbers, which represent the number of protons in an element's nucleus. Each element is positioned based on its atomic structure, allowing users to predict behaviors and properties of elements based on their location. Elements are grouped into periods (horizontal rows) and groups or families (vertical columns) that share similar characteristics. For instance, noble gases, like neon and argon, are found in Group 18 and are known for being unreactive. In this orderly chart, you'll find Promethium at atomic number 61 in the lanthanide series, which consists of rare earth metals located below the main body of the table. Understanding its position helps you appreciate why Promethium behaves the way it does in chemical reactions.

Radioactive Isotopes

Isotopes are variants of the same element which have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. This variation results in differing atomic masses. Some isotopes are stable, meaning they do not change over time, while others are radioactive. Radioactive isotopes are unstable and decay over time, emitting radiation. Promethium, labeled as $Pm$ on the periodic table, is unique in that all of its isotopes are radioactive; it has no stable forms. This means that each isotope of Promethium will eventually break down into other elements. This characteristic makes them useful in certain applications, such as in luminescent paint or as an energy source in space missions, despite their instability.

Chemical Symbol

Chemical symbols are shorthand representations of elements, making communication more precise and efficient. They consist of one or two letters, with the first letter always capitalized. Many symbols derive from their English names, like "C" for carbon. However, others come from Latin or other languages, such as "Fe" for iron from the Latin 'ferrum'. Promethium's chemical symbol is "Pm," a straightforward representation aligning with its name. These symbols appear on the periodic table, guiding chemists and students in identifying and contrasting elements quickly. Symbols are universally recognized, making them an essential component of scientific discourse across different languages and regions.