Berkelium (Bk)

About Berkelium

Berkelium is a chemical element with the symbol Bk and atomic number 97, meaning every atom has 97 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Actinide and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 247 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Berkelium sits in group 11, period 7 (actinide series), which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Berkelium

In daily life and industry, Berkelium is used for Research. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Actinide category.

Electron Structure of Berkelium

Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Berkelium has 6 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 5 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.

Explore Other Elements

Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.

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