Californium (Cf)

Californium (Cf)

Atomic Number: 98
Atomic Weight: 251
Melting Point: not known
Boiling Point: not known
Specific Gravity: not known
Valences: not known

Californium was produced by Ghiorso and co-workers in 1950. It is suggested to be produced in supernovae, which are bright explosions of certain stars. This radioactive element emits neutrons and is used in determining water and oil-bearing layers in the well-logging industry. It is named after the University and State of California. [LM] {RW}