Samarium

Samarium
Symbol Sm
Atomic Number 62
Atomic Mass 150.36 g.mol -1
Discovered by Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 1879

Chemical Properties of Samarium

Group Lanthanides Melting point 1072°C, 1962°F, 1345 K
Period 6 Boiling point 1794°C, 3261°F, 2067 K
Block f Density (g cm-3) 7.52
Atomic number 62 Relative atomic mass 150.36 gmol -1
State at 20°C Solid Key isotopes 152Sm
Electron configuration [Xe] 4f6s2 CAS number 7440-19-9
ChemSpider ID  22391 ChemSpider is a free chemical structure database.

Table of Contents

What is Samarium?

  • Samarium is a chemical element with atomic number 62 and is represented by the symbol Sm in the Periodic Table.
  •  It was discovered by Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran in the year 1879.

Uses of Samarium

  • The most important application of Samarium is in Samarium-Cobalt magnets which have a very high permanent magnetisation. These magnets are used in headphones, small motors and musical instruments like guitars.
  • This element is used in the manufacture of solar-powered electric aircraft.
  • It is used in making special infrared absorbing glass and cores of carbon arc lamp electrodes.
  • Acts as a catalyst in the ethanol dehydration process. It is also used in making new permanent magnets.

Properties of Samarium

  • It is a silvery-white, rare earth metal having physical properties like hardness, similar to zinc.
  • It is one of the most volatile elements among Lanthanides.
  • Samarium and its compounds are paramagnetic at room temperature.
  • It is the 40th most abundant element in earth’s crust and the 5th  most abundant element among Lanthanides.
  • This element is most abundant in China, India, Brazil, the US, Australia and Sri Lanka and yearly production is estimated at 2 million tonnes.

Certain Health Facts About Samarium

  • Samarium has no biological role and it is not that toxic. It is observed that some soluble salts are mildly toxic but cannot affect human life.


Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

What is the melting point of Samarium?

1072°C.
Q2

Samarium belongs to which family?

This element is from the Lanthanide series.
Q3

Write the electronic configuration of the Samarium.

[ Xe ] 4f6 6s2 .
Q4

Samarium is a radioactive metal or not?

All lanthanides are non-radioactive except Promethium (Pm).
Q5

What is the state of Sm at 20 degrees Celcius?

Solid.
Q6

What is the colour of Sm?

Silvery-white.
Test your knowledge on Samarium

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