The chemical element with the atomic number 98 is Californium (Cf).
Californium is a synthetic radioactive element, meaning it doesn't occur naturally and must be created in a laboratory. It belongs to the actinide series on the periodic table.
Here's a breakdown of key information about Californium:
- Symbol: Cf
- Atomic Number: 98
- Atomic Mass: Approximately 251 u (most stable isotope)
- Electron Configuration: [Rn] 5f¹⁰ 7s²
- Radioactivity: All isotopes of californium are radioactive. The most stable isotope is Californium-251, which has a half-life of about 898 years. Californium-252 is commonly used in various applications.
- Discovery: It was first synthesized in 1950 at the University of California, Berkeley, hence the name.
- Uses:
- Neutron source: Californium-252 is a strong neutron emitter and is used in neutron activation analysis, industrial radiography, and as a neutron source for starting nuclear reactors.
- Cancer therapy: Californium-252 has been used in brachytherapy, a type of radiation therapy for treating certain cancers.
- Moisture gauges: Used in portable moisture gauges for measuring the moisture content of soil and other materials.
- Gold and silver detection: Used to detect gold and silver via neutron activation.
Californium is a fascinating and important element, despite its synthetic nature and radioactivity. Its unique properties make it valuable in various scientific and industrial applications.
