Rutherfordium (Rf)
Transition metal · d-block · period 7 · group 4
A few atoms only; predicted to be a dense metal.
Rutherfordium (symbol Rf) is chemical element number 104, a transition metal in group 4, period 7 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is (267) and its electron configuration is [Rn] 5f14 6d2 7s2. Its state at room temperature is unknown, and it is radioactive. Named after Ernest Rutherford.
Properties
| Atomic number | 104 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | (267) |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Block | d-block |
| Group · Period | 4 · 7 |
| Electron configuration | [Rn] 5f14 6d2 7s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 10, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | unknown |
| Melting point | — |
| Boiling point | — |
| Density | — |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | — |
| Radioactive | Yes — no stable isotope |
| Origin | synthetic |
| Discovered | 1964 · Dubna / Berkeley |
Key facts about Rutherfordium
- Named after Ernest Rutherford.
- The first of the 'superheavy' transactinide elements.
- Its brief chemistry matches hafnium, as the periodic table predicts.
- Most stable isotope lasts about an hour.
What Rutherfordium is used for
None — research only.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Rutherfordium is in group 4, period 7, of the d-block. Its electron configuration [Rn] 5f14 6d2 7s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Rutherfordium on the interactive table →
Rutherfordium — frequently asked questions
What is Rutherfordium used for?
None — research only.
Is Rutherfordium radioactive?
Yes. Rutherfordium has no stable isotope, so every form of it is radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Rutherfordium?
Rutherfordium has the electron configuration [Rn] 5f14 6d2 7s2, which is 2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 10, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Rutherfordium in?
Rutherfordium is in group 4, period 7, in the d-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Rutherfordium?
Rutherfordium was discovered in 1964 by Dubna / Berkeley.