Neptunium
nep-TOO-ni-em
Neptunium (Np) is a silvery colored radioactive metal that has the atomic number 93 in the periodic table. It is an Actinoid Metal with the symbol Np.
Neptunium is a synthetic element of the actinides that was produced in 1940 by Edwin McMillan and Philip Abelson. Through bombarding Uranium atoms with neutrons they chemically produced an isotope of Neptunium-239. the element is named after the planet Neptune due to its proximity to uranium which is named after uranus. Much like other actinides it is radioactive and dangerous for handling. It is used to detect neutrons and also in the generation of electricity on spacecrafts. It is a solid metal at room temperature and it has a melting point of 639°c and a boiling point of 4147°c.
FAQ's
E.M. McMillan, P.H. Abelson
1940
Uses
It has no significant commercial applications.
Sources
Produced by bombarding uranium with slow neutrons.
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
Np
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