Plutonium (Pu) — Actinide. Atomic number 94.
Silvery-gray radioactive metal
- Atomic number: 94
- Symbol: Pu
- Atomic mass: [244] u
- Category: Actinide
- State: Solid
- Melting point: 639.85 °C / 913 K
- Boiling point: 3231.85 °C / 3505 K
- Density: 19.84 g/cm³ (20°C)
- Electron configuration: [Rn] 5f6 7s2
- Oxidation states: +3, +4, +5, +6
- Electronegativity: 1.28
- Discovered by: Glenn Seaborg and team (1940)
Common uses: Nuclear reactors, RTGs, Weapons research
Biological role: No biological role.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plutonium
What is the atomic number of plutonium?
Plutonium has an atomic number of 94, meaning each atom contains 94 protons in its nucleus.
What is the atomic mass of plutonium?
The standard atomic weight of plutonium is [244] u (unified atomic mass units).
What category does plutonium belong to?
Plutonium is classified as a actinide.
What is the state of plutonium at room temperature?
Plutonium is a solid at 20 °C (68 °F).
What is the melting point of plutonium?
The melting point of plutonium is 639.85 °C / 913 K.
What is the boiling point of plutonium?
The boiling point of plutonium is 3231.85 °C / 3505 K.
What is the density of plutonium?
The density of plutonium is 19.84 g/cm³ (20°C).
What is the electronegativity of plutonium?
Plutonium has a Pauling electronegativity of 1.28.
What is the electron configuration of plutonium?
The electron configuration of plutonium is [Rn] 5f6 7s2.
What are the common oxidation states of plutonium?
Plutonium commonly exhibits the following oxidation states: +3, +4, +5, +6.
When was plutonium discovered?
Plutonium was discovered in 1940 by Glenn Seaborg and team.
Is plutonium radioactive?
Plutonium is a synthetic radioactive element that does not occur naturally and must be produced in a laboratory.
What is the biological role of plutonium?
No biological role.
What are the common uses of plutonium?
Plutonium is used for: Nuclear reactors; RTGs; Weapons research.
