Periodic table / Plutonium

Overview

Plutonium is a transuranic radioactive chemical element with symbol Pu and atomic number 94. It is an actinide metal of silvery-gray appearance that tarnishes when exposed to air, and forms a dull coating when oxidized. The element normally exhibits six allotropes and four oxidation states.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Plutonium is [Rn] 5f6 7s2, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 32, 24, 8, 2.

Physical and chemical properties

Plutonium is classified as a actinide. It has an atomic mass of 244 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery white, tarnishing to dark gray in air.

Real-world uses of Plutonium

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

Interesting facts about Plutonium

• Plutonium has the atomic number 94 and chemical symbol Pu.
• It belongs to period 7, group 3 of the periodic table.
• Plutonium was discovered by Glenn T. Seaborg.

Explore Plutonium interactively

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