Plutonium (Pu) VS Americium (Am)
A definitive side-by-side comparison of two essential element profiles.
VS
Main Differences
Plutonium (Pu) is an element in the actinoids category with an atomic number of 94. Americium (Am) is an element in the actinoids category with an atomic number of 95.
Plutonium (Pu) is 1.4x denser than Americium (Am). However, Americium (Am) melts at a higher temperature than Plutonium (Pu) (a difference of 536.5 Kelvin).
Where do the names come from?
Pu Plutonium (Pu) Naming History
Plutonium, is named after the then planet Pluto, following from the two previous elements uranium and neptunium.
Am Americium (Am) Naming History
Americium is named for America where it was first made.
Related Comparisons
Compare
Plutonium (Pu)
Americium (Am)
Category
Actinoids
Actinoids
Atomic Number
94
95
Symbol
Pu
Am
Atomic Mass
[244] u
[243] u
Group
Actinides
Actinides
Period
7
7
Block
f-block
f-block
Standard State (at 20°C)
solid
solid
Density
19.816 g/cm³
13.67 g/cm³
Melting Point (°C)
640°C
1176°C
Melting Point (°F)
1184°F
2149°F
Melting Point (K)
912.5 K
1449 K
Boiling Point (°C)
3228°C
2011°C
Boiling Point (°F)
5842°F
3652°F
Boiling Point (K)
3501 K
2880 K
Year Discovered:
1940
1944
CAS Number
05/07/7440
7440-35-9
Origin of Name:
Plutonium, is named after the then planet Pluto, following from the two previous elements uranium and neptunium.
Americium is named for America where it was first made.