Copernicium (Cn)

Copernicium is a chemical element with symbol Cn and atomic number 112. It is named after astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus. As a synthetic element, it can be created in a laboratory but is not found in nature. Calculations suggest it behaves like an extremely volatile metal, likely gaseous at room temperature.

Atomic Number

112

Atomic Mass

285 u

Category

transition metal

Phase

Predicted gas

Density

~23.7 (predicted) g/cm³

Electron Shells

2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 18, 2

Atomic Structure

Protons: 112 • Electrons: 112 • Neutrons: Varies by isotope

Electron Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s² 5f¹⁴ 6d¹⁰

Discovery

1996 • Sigurd Hofmann, Paul Armbruster