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Radium (Ra)
Element with atomic number 88, category: Alkaline earth metal, a solid at room temperature.
Element 88 of 118
Alkaline earth metal
Radium
Group 2, Period 7
Common Uses
Formerly used in watch paint
Electron Diagram
About Radium
Radium is a chemical element with the symbol Ra and atomic number 88, meaning every atom has 88 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Alkaline earth metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 226 atomic mass units (u).
On the periodic table, Radium sits in group 2, period 7, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.
Uses of Radium
In daily life and industry, Radium is used for Formerly used in watch paint. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Alkaline earth metal category.
Electron Structure of Radium
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), Radium has 5 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 32, 28 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.