Definition

Noun: 1. A radioactive transuranic metallic element: A synthetic, heavy metallic element with the atomic number 96. It is produced artificially, typically by bombarding plutonium with alpha particles (helium nuclei). It is part of the actinide series.

Usage

• The element atomic number 96 is primarily of scientific interest and has limited applications, mainly in research.
• In scientific contexts, atomic number 96 is more commonly referred to by its element name, (symbol Cm).

Examples

• Scientific Discovery: "The team synthesized a new isotope of atomic number 96 in their particle accelerator."
• Chemical Context: "Elements like atomic number 96 are studied for their unique radioactive properties."
• Production Method: "As defined, atomic number 96 can be produced by bombarding plutonium with helium nuclei."

Advanced Usage

• The term atomic number 96 is a systematic, descriptive name based on the element's position in the periodic table. Its common name, , honors the pioneering scientists Pierre and Marie Curie.

Variants and Related Words

• Curium (Cm): The standard name for the element with atomic number 96.
• Transuranic element: Any chemical element with an atomic number greater than 92 (uranium). Atomic number 96 is a transuranic element.
• Actinide: Any of the series of heavy, radioactive metallic elements from atomic number 89 to 103. Atomic number 96 is an actinide.

Synonyms

• Curium (Cm)

Notes on Meaning

• The term atomic number 96 has only one specific scientific meaning: it is the element curium. It is not used in everyday language and carries no idiomatic or figurative meanings.

Noun

1. a radioactive transuranic metallic element; produced by bombarding plutonium with helium nuclei