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    Cf

    Californium

    Actinide

    Atomic Number: 98 • Atomic Mass: 251.0000 u • Period: 7 • Group: 102

    Electron Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s² 5f¹⁰
    Phase: Solid
    Electronegativity: 1.3
    Berkelium (Bk)Einsteinium (Es)
    OverviewPropertiesAtomic StructureOccurrenceApplicationsHistory

    Overview

    Californium is the chemical element with the symbol Cf and atomic number 98. It belongs to the Actinide group and is located in period 7 of the periodic table. It exists as a solid under standard conditions.

    Basic Information

    • Symbol:Cf
    • Atomic Number:98
    • Atomic Mass:251.0000 u
    • Group:102
    • Period:7
    • Category:Actinide
    • Phase at STP:Solid
    • Electronegativity:1.3 (Pauling scale)

    Key Facts

    Fun Fact #1

    Named after California

    Fun Fact #2

    Used to find gold and silver deposits

    Common Uses

    • Neutron source
    • Metal detector
    • Starting nuclear reactors