Berkelium is a member of the actinide and transuranium element series.
Protons and Neutrons in Berkelium
Berkelium is a chemical element with atomic number 97 which means there are 97 protons in its nucleus. Total number of protons in the nucleus is called the atomic number of the atom and is given the symbol Z. The total electrical charge of the nucleus is therefore +Ze, where e (elementary charge) equals to 1,602 x 10-19 coulombs.
The total number of neutrons in the nucleus of an atom is called the neutron number of the atom and is given the symbol N. Neutron number plus atomic number equals atomic mass number: N+Z=A. The difference between the neutron number and the atomic number is known as the neutron excess: D = N – Z = A – 2Z.
For stable elements, there is usually a variety of stable isotopes. Isotopes are nuclides that have the same atomic number and are therefore the same element, but differ in the number of neutrons. Mass numbers of typical isotopes of Berkelium are 245-249.
Main Isotopes of Berkelium
Berkelium does not occur in natural isotope.
Naturally Occuring Isotopes
Isotope | Abundance | Neutron Number |
– | – | – |
Typical Unstable Isotopes
Isotope | Half-life | Decay Mode | Product |
245Bk | 4.94 d | electron capture or alpha decay | 245Cm or 241Am |
246Bk | 1.8 d | alpha decay or electron capture | 242Am or 246Cm |
247Bk | 1380 y | alpha decay | 243Am |
248Bk | >300 y | alpha decay | 244Am |
249Bk | 330 d | alpha decay or spontaneous fission or beta decay | 245Am or – or 249Cf |
Electrons and Electron Configuration
The number of electrons in an electrically-neutral atom is the same as the number of protons in the nucleus. Therefore, the number of electrons in neutral atom of Berkelium is 97. Each electron is influenced by the electric fields produced by the positive nuclear charge and the other (Z – 1) negative electrons in the atom.
Since the number of electrons and their arrangement are responsible for the chemical behavior of atoms, the atomic number identifies the various chemical elements. The configuration of these electrons follows from the principles of quantum mechanics. The number of electrons in each element’s electron shells, particularly the outermost valence shell, is the primary factor in determining its chemical bonding behavior. In the periodic table, the elements are listed in order of increasing atomic number Z.
Electron configuration of Berkelium is [Rn] 5f9 7s2.
Possible oxidation states are +3,4.
Summary
Element | Berkelium |
Number of protons | 97 |
Number of neutrons (typical isotopes) | 245-249 |
Number of electrons | 97 |
Electron configuration | [Rn] 5f9 7s2 |
Oxidation states | +3,4 |
Source: www.luciteria.com