We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Science

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Berkelium?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,650
Share

Berkelium is a metallic chemical element classified in the actinide series on the periodic table of elements. It does not exist naturally, though various isotopes and compounds of berkelium have been produced in laboratories. Since the element is rare and difficult to create, it has no commercial uses, although it does crop up in research occasionally. Berkelium is produced by neutron bombardment of other elements, typically americium.

The appearance of berkelium is not known, since no one has managed to isolate the element in a pure form. It is presumed to silvery-gray, like its neighbors on the periodic table, and it is reactive, so it probably forms a film of oxidation when exposed to air. Berkelium is certainly radioactive, and it appears to have two allotropic forms, meaning that its structure can vary in the solid state. It is identified with the symbol Bk on the periodic table of elements, and it has an atomic number of 97.

The element was discovered by a team of scientists led by Glenn Seaborg at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1949. Seaborg was also the man behind the discovery of several other actinides, including plutonium, curium, and nobelium, among many others; he won the Nobel Price in 1951 for his efforts. The team named the element for the university and city of its discovery.

Like many other synthetically produced elements, berkelium has not been produced in very large amounts, because it is challenging to make and many of its isotopes have a very short half life. Because the element is both rare and unstable, no real uses have been developed for it beyond experimental chemistry. Scientists hope that by studying the element further, they may be able to identify additional isotopes, some of which could potentially be useful if they could be stabilized.

Like other radioactive elements, berkelium is potentially dangerous for human health. Most people, however, will never encounter this element, as it does not exist in nature. In labs where berkelium is synthesized, scientists take precautions to ensure that the element and its byproducts are safely handled. Berkelium does appear to have a potential to bioaccumulate in human tissue, serving no biological function but potentially causing health problems.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-berkelium.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.