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n. Symbol Am A white metallic transuranic element of the actinide series, having isotopes with mass numbers from 232 to 247. Am-241 and Am-243 are the isotopes with the longest half-lifes (432.2 years and 7,370 years, respectively), and are alpha-ray and gamma-ray emitters used as radiation sources in research, radiography, and smoke alarms. Atomic number 95; melting point 1176°C; boiling point 2011°C; specific gravity 12; valence 3, 4, 5, 6. See Periodic Table. [After America.] |
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