Mendeleev
Periodic table · chemistry · physics
Element story

Copernicium

Atomic number 112 means that every Copernicium nucleus contains 112 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Copernicium.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 112 means that every Copernicium nucleus contains 112 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Copernicium.

Copernicium (Cn) is chemical element 112. It belongs to the post-transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is not firmly established. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

In practice, it turns up most often in scientific research.

See the atom

Conceptual visual: electron shells are a learning aid, not a literal picture of quantum orbitals.

What this number means

Atomic number 112 means that every Copernicium nucleus contains 112 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Copernicium.

Keep exploring

→ Copernicium · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

112CnCopernicium
Copernicium · Cn · Z = 112

Copernicium (Cn) is chemical element 112. It belongs to the post-transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is not firmly established. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Understanding the element

Copernicium (Cn) is chemical element 112. It belongs to the post-transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is not firmly established. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Where do we encounter it?

In practice, it turns up most often in scientific research.

What its position in the table tells us

Copernicium sits in period 7, group 12 and the D block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.