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Californium (Cf)
Element with atomic number 98, category: Actinide, a solid at room temperature.
Element 98 of 118
Actinide
Californium
Group 12, Period 7 (actinide series)
Common Uses
Neutron source
Electron Diagram
About Californium
Californium is a chemical element with the symbol Cf and atomic number 98, meaning every atom has 98 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Actinide and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 251 atomic mass units (u).
On the periodic table, Californium sits in group 12, period 7 (actinide series), which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.
Uses of Californium
In daily life and industry, Californium is used for Neutron source. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Actinide category.
Electron Structure of Californium
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), Californium has 6 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 6 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.