Neptunium

Symbol: Np

Atomic Number: 93

Atomic Weight: (237.05)

Neptunium (atomic number 93, symbol Np) is a radioactive element belonging to the actinide series. It is a fairly reactive metal with silvery color, and at least 3 allotropes exist. Of all actinoids, neptunium is the element with the highest density. It is a ductile metal that forms a number of chemical compounds. Chemically, neptunium is very reactive and is attacked by acids, steam, and oxygen, but not by alkalis. It exists in different oxidation states from neptunium (II) to neptunium (VII).

Neptunium has no commercial application, but Np-237 is used in devices that detect high-energy neutrons. The element...Read More