Periodic table / Berkelium

Overview

Berkelium is a transuranic radioactive chemical element with symbol Bk and atomic number 97. It is a member of the actinide and transuranium element series. It is named after the city of Berkeley, California, the location of the University of California Radiation Laboratory where it was discovered in December 1949.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Berkelium is [Rn] 5f9 7s2, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 32, 27, 8, 2.

Physical and chemical properties

Berkelium is classified as a actinide. It has an atomic mass of 247 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery.

Real-world uses of Berkelium

Berkelium is an actinide studied primarily in nuclear science and research due to its radioactive properties.

Interesting facts about Berkelium

• Berkelium has the atomic number 97 and chemical symbol Bk.
• It belongs to period 7, group 3 of the periodic table.
• Berkelium was discovered by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Explore Berkelium interactively

Want to compare Berkelium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Bk to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.