Element 103

Lawrencium (Lr)

Lawrencium is a synthetic chemical element with symbol Lr and atomic number 103. It is named in honor of Ernest Lawrence, inventor of the cyclotron, a device that was used to discover many artificial radioactive elements.

Atomic Number

103

Atomic Mass

266 u

Category

Actinide

Period

7

Group

Actinide series

Phase

solid

Density

16 g/cm3

Electron Shells

2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 8, 3

Atomic Structure

Protons: 103. Electrons: 103. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.

Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s² 5f¹⁴ 7p¹

Why Lawrencium Matters

Lawrencium helps connect atomic number 103, actinide behavior, period 7 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 266 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s² 5f¹⁴ 7p¹ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.

Discovery and Occurrence

Lawrencium was discovered 1961 by Albert Ghiorso, Torbjorn Sikkeland, Almon Larsh, Robert M. Latimer. Lawrencium is a synthetic chemical element with symbol Lr and atomic number 103. It is named in honor of Ernest Lawrence, inventor of the cyclotron, a device that was used to discover many artificial radioactive elements.

Safety and Handling Context

Lawrencium has radioactive isotopes or is commonly discussed with radioactive materials. Use this page as an educational reference; real samples require qualified supervision and controlled handling.

Related Elements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the atomic number of Lawrencium?
Lawrencium has atomic number 103, which means a neutral atom has 103 protons and 103 electrons.
What is the chemical symbol for Lawrencium?
The chemical symbol for Lawrencium is Lr.
What category is Lawrencium in?
Lawrencium is classified as a actinide and sits in period 7 of the periodic table.

Explore Lawrencium in 3D

Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Lawrencium to neighboring elements without losing your place.