Samarium, with the atomic number 62, is a silvery-white metal that was discovered in 1879 by the French chemist Paul Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran. It was named after the mineral samarskite, in which it was first found.
Samarium belongs to the rare earth elements, a group of 17 elements that are characterized by their similar chemical properties and their rarity in the earth’s crust.
The melting point of a Samarium is 1072°C (1962°F). This refers to the temperature at which Samarium changes from a solid state to a liquid state.
The high melting point of Samarium is due to its metallic bonding, which involves the sharing of electrons between atoms in the metal lattice. This creates a strong interatomic bond, making it difficult to break and hence resulting in a high melting point.
The high melting point of Samarium also makes it useful for high-temperature applications, where it is required to maintain its structural integrity and resist deformation.
Samarium-cobalt magnets, for instance, are used in a variety of applications, including electric motors, generators, and sensors. These magnets are highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making them ideal for use in harsh environments.
