Atomic number: 97
Symbol: Bk
Category: actinide
Density at 25°C: solid: density: 13.25 to 14.78 g·cm−3
This radioactive synthetic element is mainly of scientific interest due to it's difficulty in synthesis and overall stability. A little over a gram of berkelium has been produced in the United States since 1967. It is used as a step towards making heavier elements.
Use, natural applications or common combinations:
- used for creating further actinides or heavier elements
Basic characteristics:
- Standard atomic weight: (247)
- Melting point: 986 °C
- Boiling point: uncertain
- Radioactivity: all radioactive
- 249Bk with half life of 330 days producing alpha and beta particles but turns into more radioactive 249Cf and 245Am
- 247Bk with half life of 1380 y producing only alpa particles