Textbook Question
What is the atomic number of the blue element?
Ch.2 - Atoms, Molecules & Ions
Chapter 2, Problem 36
The element indicated on the following periodic table is used in smoke detectors. Identify it, give its atomic number, and tell what kind of group it's in.
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the element used in smoke detectors, which is Americium (Am).
Locate Americium on the periodic table to find its atomic number.
Americium is found in the actinide series, which is part of the f-block of the periodic table.
The atomic number of Americium is 95.
Americium belongs to the group of actinides, which are typically radioactive elements.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Periodic Table
The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of elements based on their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties. Elements are organized into rows (periods) and columns (groups), with each group containing elements that share similar characteristics. Understanding the layout of the periodic table is essential for identifying elements and their properties.
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Periodic Table Classifications
Atomic Number
The atomic number of an element is the number of protons found in the nucleus of its atoms, which determines the element's identity and its position on the periodic table. It also indicates the number of electrons in a neutral atom, influencing the element's chemical behavior. For example, the atomic number of the element used in smoke detectors, which is typically Americium (Am), is 95.
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02:10Atom Structure
Element Groups
Elements in the periodic table are categorized into groups based on their similar chemical properties. For instance, the group that Americium belongs to is the actinides, which are known for their radioactive properties. Understanding the group classification helps predict the behavior of elements in chemical reactions and their applications, such as in smoke detectors.
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Related Practice
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