Curium is a radioactive actinide used mainly in scientific research.
Uses and research
Curium is a radioactive actinide used mainly in scientific research.
Learning from radioactive elements
The actinides form the lower detached row. None has a stable isotope. Isotopes have the same proton count but different neutron counts. Some actinides occur in natural minerals; others are available only in tiny research samples. When discussing uses or behavior, the particular isotope can matter.
What the atomic number tells us
Curium has atomic number 96. This is the number of protons in its nucleus. A neutral atom also has 96 electrons. Losing or gaining electrons makes an ion; it does not change the element unless the proton count changes.
The model's rings help count electrons by shell. They are not actual circular paths. A model of one atom and the properties of a whole material are different levels of description.
Temperature and state
25°C: Data not included
Illustrative particle motion: sizes, distances and speeds are not to scale. Particles represent atoms or molecules.
← CoolHeat →
Temperature data is not included in this guide.
Pure element at 1 atmosphere. Image conditions are explained in captions. Pictures do not change with temperature.