The Element Californium


Californium derives its name being named after the state of California. It is a rare element which is a very strong neutron emitter and is thus extremely radioactive and harmful. While only few of its compounds are known, californium-252 is known as a strong neutron emitter that is a biological hazard.

Since californium is a good source of neutrons, it can be used as a portable neutron source for the detection of gold or silver by on-the-spot activation analysis. Other uses of californium include usage in moisture gauges for the determination of water and oil-bearing layers in oil wells.           

Atomic Number & Chemical Properties


Element Basics:

Chemical Symbol: Cf
Atomic Number: 98
Atomic Weight: 251.0796
Element Classification: Radioactive Rare Earth Element (Actinide Series)
Discovered By: G.T.Seaborg, S.G.Tompson, A.Ghiorso, K.Street Jr.
Date of Discovery: 1950 (United States)
Origin of Name: Named after the state and University of California.

How to Recognize it at a Party:

Powerful neutron emitter

Seriously Atomic Information:

Density (g/cc): 15.1
Melting Point (°K): 900
Boiling Point (°K): n/a
Atomic Radius (pm): 295
Atomic Volume (cc/mol): n/a
Covalent Radius (pm): n/a
Ionic Radius: n/a
Pauling Negativity Number: 1.3
First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): (610)
Oxidation States: 4, 3
Electronic Configuration: [Rn] 5f10 7s2

Getting Intimate with Californium:

Lattice Structure: n/a
Lattice Constant (Å): n/a
Lattice C/A Ratio: n/a
Specific Heat (@20°C J/g mol): n/a
Fusion Heat (kJ/mol): n/a
Evaporation Heat (kJ/mol): n/a
Thermal Conductivity (@25°C W/m K):
Debye Temperature (°K): n/a


Society's Questions About Californium:

Have you ever wondered what everyone else in the world thinks about Californium? Is anyone else looking for it too? If so, why? What do they want?

The following list shows the most common online questions about the element Californium. Are your questions the same or different from everyone else's?

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