Americium: Difference between revisions

In 1944, scientists in the Manhattan Project, Glenn Seaborg, Ralph James, Leon Morgan and Albert Ghiorso successfully created the first samples of americium in the University of Chicago's metallurgical laboratory. As stated before, the first samples of the ninety-fifth element were created with neutron capture reactions of [[plutonium]] 239. This process involves the bombardment of the isotope with neutrons. Initially, the discovery of americium was considered classified as a discovery of the Manhattan project, but was later declassified. The public announcement of this new element by Glenn Seaborg occurred five days before the expected presentation at the American Chemistry Society. On a radio show, a child asked if there were any newly discovered transuranium elements other than plutonium and [[neptunium]]. Seaborg responded with his discovery of americium. <ref name=livescience.com> Live Science Staff. [http://www.livescience.com/39874-facts-about-americium.html Facts About Americium] ''Live Science''. Web. Published September 23, 2013 (specify which).</ref>