Cm
Curium
Z = 96 · Actinide · 247.0 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Minor actinide with high spontaneous fission rates. Cm-244 (t₁/₂ = 18.1 y) is the dominant spontaneous fission neutron source in spent fuel, driving neutron emission rates used in safeguards measurements. Cm-242 (t₁/₂ = 163 d) is a significant heat source immediately after discharge.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 96
- Standard atomic mass
- 247.0 u
- Category
- Actinide
Isotopes & cross-section data
| Isotope | Mass (A) | Half-life | ZAID | Libraries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cm-242 | 242 | 162.8 d | .80c.71c | |
| Cm-243 | 243 | 29.1 y | .80c.71c | |
| Cm-244 | 244 | 18.1 y | .80c.71c | |
| Cm-245 | 245 | 8500 y | .80c.71c | |
| Cm-246 | 246 | 4730 y | .80c.71c |