Periodic table / Californium

Overview

Californium is a radioactive metallic chemical element with symbol Cf and atomic number 98. The element was first made in 1950 at the University of California Radiation Laboratory in Berkeley, by bombarding curium with alpha particles (helium-4 ions). It is an actinide element, the sixth transuranium element to be synthesized, and has the second-highest atomic mass of all the elements that have been produced in amounts large enough to see with the unaided eye (after einsteinium).

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Californium is [Rn] 5f10 7s2, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 32, 28, 8, 2.

Physical and chemical properties

Californium is classified as a actinide. It has an atomic mass of 251 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery.

Real-world uses of Californium

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

Interesting facts about Californium

• Californium has the atomic number 98 and chemical symbol Cf.
• It belongs to period 7, group 3 of the periodic table.
• Californium was discovered by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Explore Californium interactively

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