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Understanding the element
Californium (Cf) is chemical element 98. It belongs to the actinoids, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. 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 neutron sources and scientific research.
neutron sourcesscientific research
Standard atomic weightNo standard atomic weight
What its position in the table tells us
Californium sits in period 7 and the F block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.
Worth remembering
Californium is radioactive, so its chemistry cannot be separated from nuclear physics and radiation safety
Californium is radioactive, so its chemistry cannot be separated from nuclear physics and radiation safety