Californium is a synthetic actinide whose strong neutron emission enables specialised analysis, reactor start-up, and industrial measurements.
Atomic number
98
Category
Actinide
Period
7
Group
f-block
State
Solid
Fun facts about Californium
Some isotopes undergo spontaneous fission and emit many neutrons.
Very small sources can initiate or calibrate neutron-based systems.
It is expensive and requires heavy radiological controls.
Common uses of Californium
Neutron source for reactor start-up
Neutron activation analysis
Industrial moisture and material gauges
Where Californium sits in the periodic table
Californium belongs to the actinide series in period 7 and the f-block of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol Cf with atomic number 98 and the listed atomic mass [251]. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.