Rutherfordium (Rf)

About Rutherfordium

Rutherfordium is a chemical element with the symbol Rf and atomic number 104, meaning every atom has 104 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Transition metal and is a solid at room temperature (estimated, never measured directly because this element decays within seconds). Its atomic mass is about 267 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Rutherfordium sits in group 4, period 7, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Rutherfordium

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

Electron Structure of Rutherfordium

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), Rutherfordium has 6 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 12 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.

Frequently Asked Questions