Beryllium (Be)
Beryllium (Be, element 4) is an alkaline earth metal in group 2, period 2. Atomic mass 9.012, electron configuration [He] 2s², uses and facts.
About Beryllium
Beryllium is an alkaline earth metal with the symbol Be and atomic number 4. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 2, period 2 of the periodic table. Beryllium was discovered in 1798 by Louis-Nicolas Vauquelin.
Beryllium key facts
- Atomic number: 4
- Symbol: Be
- Atomic mass: 9.012 u
- Category: alkaline earth metal
- Group: 2
- Period: 2
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [He] 2s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.57
- Melting point: 1560 K (1286.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 2742 K (2468.85 °C)
- Density: 1.85 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +2
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of beryllium is [He] 2s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells. Beryllium has 2 valence electrons.
Uses of beryllium
- Aerospace alloys
- X-ray windows
- Nuclear reactors
Did you know?
Beryllium is transparent to X-rays and is used in X-ray windows.
Other elements in group 2 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of beryllium?
The atomic number of beryllium is 4, which means every beryllium atom has 4 protons.
What is the electron configuration of beryllium?
The electron configuration of beryllium is [He] 2s².
What group and period is beryllium in?
Beryllium is an alkaline earth metal in group 2, period 2.
What state is beryllium at room temperature?
Beryllium is a solid at room temperature.
What is beryllium used for?
Beryllium is used for aerospace alloys, X-ray windows, nuclear reactors.