Berkelium (Bk)
Berkelium (Bk, element 97) is an actinide in period 7. Atomic mass 247, electron configuration [Rn] 5f⁹ 7s², uses and facts.
About Berkelium
Berkelium is an actinide with the symbol Bk and atomic number 97. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in period 7 of the periodic table. Berkelium was discovered in 1949 by Glenn Seaborg.
Berkelium key facts
- Atomic number: 97
- Symbol: Bk
- Atomic mass: 247 u
- Category: actinide
- Group: none (f-block)
- Period: 7
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Rn] 5f⁹ 7s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.3
- Melting point: 1259 K (985.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 2900 K (2626.85 °C)
- Density: 14.78 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +2, +3, +4
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of berkelium is [Rn] 5f⁹ 7s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of berkelium
- Research only
- Synthesis of heavier elements
Did you know?
Named after Berkeley, California. Only a few micrograms have ever been produced.
Neighbouring elements
- Curium (Cm)
- Californium (Cf)
- Actinium (Ac)
- Thorium (Th)
- Protactinium (Pa)
- Uranium (U)
- Neptunium (Np)
- Plutonium (Pu)
- Americium (Am)
- Curium (Cm)
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of berkelium?
The atomic number of berkelium is 97, which means every berkelium atom has 97 protons.
What is the electron configuration of berkelium?
The electron configuration of berkelium is [Rn] 5f⁹ 7s².
What group and period is berkelium in?
Berkelium is an actinide in period 7.
What state is berkelium at room temperature?
Berkelium is a solid at room temperature.
What is berkelium used for?
Berkelium is used for research only, synthesis of heavier elements.