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Glite Dictionary
atomic number 61

atomic number 61

9.9
A soft silver metal from the rare earth group that is radioactive and has no stable forms
  • noun
  • /əˈtɑːmɪk ˈnʌmbər sɪksti fɪrst/
  • Specialized
translation icon : número atómico 61
  • The element with atomic number 61 is known as promethium, which is used in certain types of batteries.

Examples

  • Promethium is identified by its atomic number 61.

  • The element with atomic number 61 is promethium.

  • Because atomic number 61 is radioactive, it must be handled with care in laboratory settings.

  • No stable isotopes of atomic number 61 have yet been found in nature.

  • The scientist discussed the uses of atomic number 61 in nuclear batteries.

  • Doctors must take precautions when handling materials with atomic number 61 due to its radioactive properties.

  • In the periodic table, atomic number 61 signifies the element promethium, which lacks stable isotopes.

Synonyms

promethium
vsatomic number 61
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A rare silvery metal that is radioactive and used in glow paint for watches

is the same element referred to by a numeric label rather than a name
Pm
vsatomic number 61
  • Specialized
9.9

A soft silvery metal from the rare earth group that gives off radiation and has no stable forms

refers to the same element using a numeric label instead of a symbol

Surface Forms

atomic number 61 singular
atomic numbers 61 plural

Morphology

atomic + number + sixty-one

The phrase is fully compositional: 'atomic' (relating to atoms) + 'number' + 'sixty-one' yields the meaning 'the element whose atomic number is 61' (promethium). This is a standard scientific naming pattern found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can derive the intended meaning even if they do not know the element's name.

Etymology

Atomic number 61 means the chemical element 'promethium'. Scientists name elements by their atomic number, which counts tiny particles called protons in the atom, so 61 means sixty-one protons and identifies this rare, radioactive metal.