Promethium (Pm) — properties, isotopes and uses

Question 1

What is the atomic number of promethium?

Accepted Answer

61

Question 2

What is the chemical symbol for promethium?

Accepted Answer

Pm

Question 3

Is promethium found naturally in appreciable amounts in the Earth's crust?

Accepted Answer

No

Question 4

Which promethium isotope is the most stable (longest half-life)?

Accepted Answer

Pm-145

Question 5

Approximately what is the half-life of the most stable promethium isotope (Pm-145)?

Accepted Answer

17.7 years

Question 6

What is the primary radioactive decay mode of promethium isotopes?

Accepted Answer

Beta decay

Question 7

Name a principal modern use of promethium in devices that generate power from radioactivity.

Accepted Answer

Nuclear (betavoltaic) batteries

Question 8

Name a historical use of promethium compounds in consumer products.

Accepted Answer

Luminous paint

Question 9

Give an industrial application that uses promethium's beta radiation for measurement.

Accepted Answer

Thickness gauging

Question 10

How is promethium principally produced for commercial/research use?

Accepted Answer

In nuclear reactors (from uranium fission or neutron irradiation)

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