Berkelium (Bk): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Berkelium is element 97 on the periodic table, an actinide, so it is a metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DBerkelium quick facts
| Atomic number | 97 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Bk |
| Atomic mass | 247 |
| Category | Actinide |
| Series and period | Actinides, period 7 |
| Block | f-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Rn] 5f⁹ 7s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 27, 8, 2 |
| Discovered | 1949, Seaborg |
What is berkelium used for?
- Production of heavier elements (parent for Cf)
- Scientific research only
- Target for making element 117
Interesting facts about berkelium
- Named after Berkeley, California. Home of the University of California where it was synthesised
- Berkelium is produced in microgram quantities. Rarer than almost anything on Earth
- Berkelium-249 is used as a target to synthesise even heavier elements like Ts (117)
Berkelium was discovered in 1949 by Seaborg in the United States.
Where berkelium sits on the periodic table
Berkelium is in the actinide series (period 7). Tap any element to open its page.
Other actinides
Berkelium questions
What is the atomic number of berkelium?
Berkelium has atomic number 97, so every berkelium atom has 97 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Bk and its atomic mass is 247.
Is berkelium a metal?
Berkelium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as an actinide, found in the actinide series (period 7).
What is the electron configuration of berkelium?
The electron configuration of berkelium is [Rn] 5f⁹ 7s². Its electrons sit in 7 shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 27, 8, 2.
What is berkelium used for?
Berkelium is used for production of heavier elements (parent for cf), scientific research only and target for making element 117.
Who discovered berkelium?
Berkelium was discovered in 1949 by Seaborg in the United States.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.