Americium is element number 95, with the symbol Am. Its name comes from America.
Atomic number 95(243)
AmAmericiumアメリシウム (amerishiumu)
Symbol
Am
Atomic weight
(243)
Place in the table
Period 7 · Actinoids
The number in parentheses is not an atomic weight. It is the mass number of one radioactive isotope of the element.
Atomic weight from the Chemical Society of Japan, “Table of Standard Atomic Weights with Four Significant Figures (2026)”.
A continent’s name
Americium was discovered in 1945 and named after America. Directly above it on the table is europium, “Europe.” Two continents line up vertically.
Where it sits on the table
The fifteen elements from actinium to lawrencium are called the actinoids. On the Room of the Elements table they are in the lower of the two rows set apart at the bottom.
Think about it
Q1Do you think it is a coincidence that Europe and America line up vertically?
Q2Look for elements named after countries or continents.
Q3There are also elements named after American states and cities. Find them.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — Element names linked to America: americium (America), berkelium (Berkeley) and californium (California).