Berkelium (symbol Bk, atomic number 97) is a synthetic actinide produced only in tiny amounts for research. It is classified as a actinide and sits in the actinide series (f-block), period 7 of the periodic table.
Overview
Berkelium is the chemical element with atomic number 97 and the symbol Bk. With a standard atomic weight of [247], it is a actinide. In the periodic table it occupies the actinide series (f-block) and period 7, and under standard conditions it is normally a solid. Berkelium is a synthetic actinide produced only in tiny amounts for research.
Atomic structure
An atom of Berkelium has 97 protons in its nucleus and, when neutral, 97 electrons arranged in the configuration [Rn] 5f9 7s2. Berkelium has no stable isotope; the value [247] refers to the mass number of its most stable or most commonly produced isotope.
Discovery and place in the table
Berkelium was discovered in 1949 by Glenn T. Seaborg et al.. It follows Curium (Cm) and precedes Californium (Cf) in order of atomic number.
| Atomic number | 97 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Bk |
| Atomic mass | [247] |
| Category | Actinide |
| Group | — |
| Period | 7 |
| Electron configuration | [Rn] 5f9 7s2 |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Discovered | 1949 (Glenn T. Seaborg et al.) |