Californium (Cf): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Californium is element 98 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 3DCalifornium quick facts
| Atomic number | 98 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Cf |
| Atomic mass | 251 |
| Category | Actinide |
| Series and period | Actinides, period 7 |
| Block | f-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Rn] 5f¹⁰ 7s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 28, 8, 2 |
| Discovered | 1950, Seaborg |
What is californium used for?
- Portable neutron sources for oil well logging
- Neutron activation analysis
- Cancer brachytherapy
Interesting facts about californium
- Californium-252 is the most intense neutron source known. Used to start nuclear reactors
- Cf-252 costs about $27 million per gram
- Named after California and the University of California, where it was produced
Californium was discovered in 1950 by Seaborg in the United States.
Where californium sits on the periodic table
Californium is in the actinide series (period 7). Tap any element to open its page.
Other actinides
Californium questions
What is the atomic number of californium?
Californium has atomic number 98, so every californium atom has 98 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Cf and its atomic mass is 251.
Is californium a metal?
Californium 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 californium?
The electron configuration of californium is [Rn] 5f¹⁰ 7s². Its electrons sit in 7 shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 28, 8, 2.
What is californium used for?
Californium is used for portable neutron sources for oil well logging, neutron activation analysis and cancer brachytherapy.
Who discovered californium?
Californium was discovered in 1950 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.