Promethium

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Promethium
Properties
Atomic symbol Pm
Atomic number 61
Classification Metallic
Atomic mass 145 amu
Other Information
Date of discovery 1945
Name of discoverer J.A. Marinsky, L.E. Glendenin and C.D. Coryell
Name origin From Prometheus who stole the fire of the sky and gave it to mankind.
Uses Used in highly specialized miniature batteries.
Obtained from All the promethium originally present when the Earth formed has disappeared due to radioactive decay. Only very small trace amounts are found in uranium ores as a product of nuclear fission.


Promethium is not known to exist in the earth's crust but a sample was extracted during processing of nuclear reactor fuel waste in 1963. Promethium salts glow in the dark because they are radioactive. Promethium is one of the rare earth elements.[1]

References