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Cf

Californium

Californium is a chemical element with the symbol Cf and atomic number 98. It has a mass number of 251, sits in period 7 of the f-block, and is classified as an actinide.

Properties

SymbolCf
Atomic number98
Mass number251
CategoryActinide
Groupf-block — no group
Period7
Electron configuration[Rn] 5f10 7s2
Outer-shell electrons2

The figure of 251 is a mass number rather than a measured atomic weight, because this element has no stable isotope.

Calculate with californium

Atomic weights are the IUPAC 2021 standard values, abridged to the conventional five significant figures. Group, period, category and electron configuration are derived from the atomic number rather than stored, so they cannot drift out of step with it.