Plutonium (Pu)
Plutonium (Pu, element 94) is an actinide in period 7. Atomic mass 244, electron configuration [Rn] 5f⁶ 7s², uses and facts.
About Plutonium
Plutonium is an actinide with the symbol Pu and atomic number 94. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in period 7 of the periodic table. Plutonium was discovered in 1940 by Glenn Seaborg.
Plutonium key facts
- Atomic number: 94
- Symbol: Pu
- Atomic mass: 244 u
- Category: actinide
- Group: none (f-block)
- Period: 7
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Rn] 5f⁶ 7s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.28
- Melting point: 912.5 K (639.35 °C)
- Boiling point: 3501 K (3227.85 °C)
- Density: 19.84 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of plutonium is [Rn] 5f⁶ 7s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of plutonium
- Nuclear weapons
- Nuclear power
- Space batteries
Did you know?
Plutonium was named after Pluto (then a planet). It is one of the few elements warm to the touch due to radioactive decay.
Neighbouring elements
- Neptunium (Np)
- Americium (Am)
- Actinium (Ac)
- Thorium (Th)
- Protactinium (Pa)
- Uranium (U)
- Neptunium (Np)
- Americium (Am)
- Curium (Cm)
- Berkelium (Bk)
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of plutonium?
The atomic number of plutonium is 94, which means every plutonium atom has 94 protons.
What is the electron configuration of plutonium?
The electron configuration of plutonium is [Rn] 5f⁶ 7s².
What group and period is plutonium in?
Plutonium is an actinide in period 7.
What state is plutonium at room temperature?
Plutonium is a solid at room temperature.
What is plutonium used for?
Plutonium is used for nuclear weapons, nuclear power, space batteries.