Skip to content
97Bk

Element 97

Berkelium

Actinides

Berkelium is a transuranic radioactive chemical element with symbol Bk and atomic number 97.

Key data

Atomic number
97
Atomic mass
247.000 u
Group / Period
3 / 7
Block
f-block
Phase at STP
Solid
Density
14.78 g/cm³
Melting point
985.9 °C
Boiling point
2626.8 °C
Electron configuration
[Rn] 5f9 7s2

Common uses

  • Heavier-element synthesis
  • Research only
  • Radioactive

Discovery

Year: 1949

Discovered by: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Frequently asked questions

What is the atomic number of Berkelium?

Berkelium has atomic number 97. Its symbol is Bk and its atomic mass is 247 u.

What category of element is Berkelium?

Berkelium is classified as actinides. It sits in group 3, period 7 of the periodic table.

What is Berkelium used for?

Common uses of Berkelium include: Heavier-element synthesis, Research only, Radioactive.

When was Berkelium discovered?

Berkelium was discovered in 1949 by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Play the game

Test your knowledge in The Lab

20-round element ID, cryptic 3-clue guesser, and an interactive periodic table.

Open The Lab →