Prometheum

Prometheum

Prometheum is a chemical element with the symbol Pm and atomic number 61. It belongs to the lanthanide series of elements and is classified as a rare earth metal. Prometheum was first discovered in 1945 by Jacob A. Marinsky, Lawrence E. Glendenin, and Charles D. Coryell at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, United States.

Properties

Prometheum is a silvery-white metal that is relatively soft and malleable. It has a melting point of 1,200 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 2,460 degrees Celsius. Like other rare earth metals, prometheum is highly reactive and easily oxidizes in air. It reacts vigorously with water, releasing hydrogen gas.

Uses

Due to its rarity and high radioactivity, prometheum has limited practical applications. However, it has found some niche uses in scientific research and industry. One of its most notable applications is in the field of nuclear batteries, where the radioactive decay of prometheum-147 is harnessed to generate electricity. These batteries are used in remote sensing devices, such as pacemakers and spacecraft, where long-lasting power sources are required.

Discovery and Naming

Prometheum was first discovered in the radioactive debris from the detonation of the first atomic bomb during World War II. The scientists involved in the Manhattan Project, including Marinsky, Glendenin, and Coryell, were able to isolate and identify the element using ion exchange chromatography. They named it after the Greek mythological figure Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity.

Internal Links

Prometheum is closely related to other rare earth metals, such as neodymium and samarium. It shares similar chemical properties and is often found in association with these elements in minerals. For more information on rare earth metals, see the article on Rare Earth Elements.

Prometheum's use in nuclear batteries is an example of its application in the field of Nuclear Technology. For a broader understanding of nuclear energy and its various uses, refer to the article on Nuclear Power.

Categories

Prometheum falls under several categories in the field of chemistry and materials science. These include:

- Chemical Elements - Lanthanides - Rare Earth Metals - Radioactive Elements

Templates

To provide a comprehensive overview of prometheum, the following templates can be used:

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- Template:Infobox Element -

These templates will help organize and present the information in a standardized format, making it easier for readers to understand and navigate the article.

References

1. Marinsky, J. A., Glendenin, L. E., & Coryell, C. D. (1947). "The chemical identification of radioisotopes of neodymium and promethium." Journal of the American Chemical Society, 69(11), 2781-2785. 2. Emsley, J. (2011). Nature's Building Blocks: An A-Z Guide to the Elements. Oxford University Press.