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Understanding the element
Francium (Fr) is chemical element 87. It belongs to the alkali metals, 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 scientific research.
scientific research
Standard atomic weightNo standard atomic weight
What its position in the table tells us
Francium sits in period 7, group 1 and the S block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.
Worth remembering
Francium is radioactive, so its chemistry cannot be separated from nuclear physics and radiation safety
Francium is radioactive, so its chemistry cannot be separated from nuclear physics and radiation safety