Samarium (symbol Sm, atomic number 62) is a rare-earth metal used in high-temperature permanent magnets. It is classified as a lanthanide and sits in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6 of the periodic table.
Overview
Samarium is the chemical element with atomic number 62 and the symbol Sm. With a standard atomic weight of 150.36, it is a lanthanide. In the periodic table it occupies the lanthanide series (f-block) and period 6, and under standard conditions it is normally a solid. Samarium is a rare-earth metal used in high-temperature permanent magnets.
Atomic structure
An atom of Samarium has 62 protons in its nucleus and, when neutral, 62 electrons arranged in the configuration [Xe] 4f6 6s2. Its standard atomic weight of 150.36 reflects the natural mix of its stable isotopes.
Discovery and place in the table
Samarium was discovered in 1879 by Lecoq de Boisbaudran. It follows Promethium (Pm) and precedes Europium (Eu) in order of atomic number.
| Atomic number | 62 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Sm |
| Atomic mass | 150.36 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Group | — |
| Period | 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f6 6s2 |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Discovered | 1879 (Lecoq de Boisbaudran) |