The Element Neptunium

Atom

"The Atom"

Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Neptunium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Neptunium is classified as an element in the Actinide series as one of the "Rare Earth Elements" which can located in Group 3 elements of the Periodic Table and in the 6th and 7th periods.

The Rare Earth Elements are of the Lanthanide and Actinide series. Most of the elements in the Actinide series are synthetic or man-made. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.

The Properties of the Neptunium Element
Symbol: Np
Atomic Number: 93
Atomic Mass: (237.0) amu
Melting Point: 640.0 °C - 913.15 °K
Boiling Point: 3902.0 °C - 4175.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons: 93
Number of Neutrons: 144
Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic
Density @ 293 K: 20.45 g/cm3
Color: Silvery

Definition of the Neptunium Element
A radioactive metallic element that is chemically similar to uranium and is obtained in nuclear reactors as a by-product in the production of plutonium. Chemically, Neptunium is extremely reactive and is attacked by Oxygen, steam and acids, but not by alkalis. The Atomic Number of this element is 93 and the Element Symbol is Np.

Origin / Meaning of the name Neptunium
Neptunium was named for the planet Neptune because it is the next outer-most planet beyond the planet Uranus in the solar system and this element is the next one beyond uranium in the periodic table.

Facts about the Discovery and History of the Neptunium Element
Neptunium was discovered by Edwin McMillan and Philip Abelson in the USA in 1940

History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table.

Occurrence of the Neptunium Element
Man-made

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe N/A
% in Sun None
% in Meteorites None
% in Earth's Crust None
% in Oceans None
% in Humans None

Associated Uses of Neptunium
Neutron detection equipment