Sm-Samarium

Samarium (Sm) is a chemical element with atomic number 62. It is part of the lanthanide series on the periodic table, which is a subgroup within the larger group of elements known as rare earth metals. 

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: Samarium has a silvery-white metallic luster when freshly cut but tarnishes in air, often developing a yellowish or grayish hue due to oxidation.
• Atomic Mass: Approximately 150.36 atomic mass units (amu).
• Density: About 7.52 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) at room temperature.
• Melting Point: Samarium melts at 1072 degrees Celsius (1962 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Boiling Point: Its boiling point is about 1900 degrees Celsius (3452 degrees Fahrenheit).

Applications

• Magnets: Samarium is a key component in samarium-cobalt (SmCo) magnets, which are known for their high magnetic strength and exceptional temperature stability. These magnets are used in various applications including headphones, small motors, and in aerospace and military hardware.
• Nuclear Reactors: Samarium has a high neutron absorption capacity, making it useful in control rods for nuclear reactors, where it helps to regulate the reactor’s power output.
• Cancer Treatment: Samarium-153 is used in medicine for the treatment of pain in patients with bone cancer. The isotope targets areas affected by cancer, providing pain relief and treatment through radiation.
• Catalysts: It is used as a catalyst in certain organic chemical reactions, including the dehydration and dehydrogenation of ethanol.

Compounds

• Samarium Oxide (Sm2O3): Used in special optical glasses to absorb infrared radiation. It’s also used as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions.
• Samarium-Cobalt (SmCo5): This compound is crucial for making permanent magnets that are highly resistant to demagnetization and function well in high-temperature environments.
• Samarium Sulfate (Sm2(SO4)3): Employed in certain specialized applications, including as a catalyst and in preparing other samarium compounds.
• Samarium Carbonate (Sm2(CO3)3): Often used in the glass and ceramics industry to make certain types of glass and ceramics that have specific optical properties.

Basics on Boron-Wikipedia