Physical Properties
How this element behaves in real-world conditions.
- State (25°C)
- Solid
- Density
- 14.78 g/cm³
- Melting Point
- 1050 °C
- Boiling Point
- 2900 °C
Atomic Structure
Core identity and periodic table positioning.
- Atomic Number
- 97
- Atomic Weight
- 247
- Atomic Radius
- 244 pm
- Block
- F
- Group
- Actinide
- Period
- 7
Electromagnetic Properties
How this element attracts and exchanges electrons.
- Electronegativity
- 1.3
- Ionization Energy
- 6.23 eV
- Electron Affinity
- 0.5 eV
- Metallic Character
- Metal
Hero / Identity Section
Core identity profile for Berkelium with periodic placement and electron context.
- Element Name
- Berkelium
- Symbol
- Bk
- Atomic Number
- 97
- Atomic Mass
- 247
- Group
- Actinide Series
- Period
- 7
- Block
- F
- Category
- Actinide
- Standard State
- Solid
- Electron Configuration (Full)
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d10 6p6 7s2 5f9
- Electron Configuration (Noble Gas)
- [Rn] 7s2 5f9
- Valence Electrons
- 2–3 (f-block, variable)
Quick Facts Card (Table Layout)
Fast-reference values for physical and energetic properties.
Atomic Radius
244 pm
Ionic Radius
Not available in current dataset
Electronegativity (Pauling)
1.3
1st Ionization Energy
6.23 eV
Electron Affinity
0.5 eV
Density
14.78 g/cm³
Melting Point
1,050 °C
Boiling Point
2,900 °C
Heat Capacity
Not available in current dataset
Thermal Conductivity
Not available in current dataset
Visual Components
Visual learning views for table position, shells, orbitals, and phase behavior.
Highlighted Position in Periodic Table Grid
Bk
Row 10, Column 12
Bohr Model Diagram
Bk
Educational shell model for electron arrangement.
Electron Shell Diagram
- K shell2
- L shell8
- M shell18
- N shell32
- O shell27
- P shell8
- Q shell2
Orbital Configuration Diagram
1s2/2
2s2/2
2p6/6
3s2/2
3p6/6
4s2/2
3d10/10
4p6/6
5s2/2
4d10/10
5p6/6
6s2/2
4f14/14
5d10/10
6p6/6
7s2/2
5f9/14
Phase Illustration
Solid
Solid lattice
Atomic Structure Section
Nuclear composition and electron shielding interpretation.
- Protons
- 97
- Neutrons (Most Abundant Isotope Estimate)
- 150
- Electrons
- 97
- Electron Configuration Breakdown
- 2 • 8 • 18 • 32 • 27 • 8 • 2
- Shielding Explanation
- Core electrons (~95) shield part of the nucleus, reducing attraction felt by outer electrons compared with the full nuclear charge.
- Effective Nuclear Charge (Estimate)
- 2
Chemical Properties Section
Category-guided chemistry behavior with periodic context for comparison.
- Common Oxidation States
- Variable, often +3 to +6
- Reactivity Summary
- Chemically reactive heavy elements, many with complex redox behavior.
- Acid/Base Behavior
- Forms multiple oxides and aqueous ionic species with variable acid/base behavior.
- Bonding Behavior
- Shows ionic and covalent character with coordination chemistry.
- Typical Compounds
- Oxides, Fluorides, Nitrate/coordination compounds
- Periodic Trend Comparison (Group Neighbors)
- Compared with Lr, this element is lower in the group and typically has a larger atomic size and lower ionization tendency.
Isotopes & Nuclear Data
Isotope stability and abundance notes for learning-oriented nuclear context.
- Stable Isotopes
- No fully stable isotopes are known for this element.
- Radioactive Isotopes
- All known isotopes are radioactive.
- Natural Abundance (%)
- Usually trace-level or synthetic; natural abundance is limited.
- Half-life (If Applicable)
- Half-life varies by isotope and should be checked from isotope-specific references.
- Nuclear Spin (Optional Advanced)
- Advanced isotope-level data is not included in the current core dataset.
- Most Abundant Isotope (Estimate)
- Bk-247
Applications & Uses
How this element appears in industry, biology, medicine, and technology.
- Industrial Uses
- Nuclear fuel cycles, research, and specialized energy applications.
- Biological Role
- No essential biological role; many forms are biologically hazardous.
- Medical Use
- Limited specialized radiotherapeutic/radiotracer use for selected isotopes.
- Technological Relevance
- Relevant to nuclear energy, detectors, and radiochemistry.
- Environmental Impact
- Radioactive persistence requires long-term waste management and monitoring.
Safety & Handling
General hazard guidance for educational reference and lab awareness.
- Toxicity
- Radiological and chemical toxicity can be significant; strict controls are required.
- Flammability
- Some metal forms/powders can be pyrophoric.
- Storage Considerations
- Requires controlled shielding, contamination controls, and regulated containment.
- Regulatory Classification
- Strictly regulated radioactive materials under national/international frameworks.