Americium

Americium is a synthetic radioactive element, discovered in 1944 by scientists who were exploring the properties of heavy elements. It is part of the actinide series and is most commonly used in smoke detectors and certain types of nuclear research. Americium has several isotopes, with Americium-241 being the most notable for practical applications. Due to its radiation-emitting properties, it is handled with care, but its use in household devices helps to enhance safety. Overall, Americium plays a role in modern technology while exemplifying the complexities of man-made elements in the periodic table.