Atomic Number
94
Element 94
Plutonium (Pu)
Plutonium is a radioactive chemical element with symbol Pu and atomic number 94. It is an actinide metal of silvery-gray appearance that tarnishes when exposed to air, and forms a dull coating when oxidized.
Atomic Mass
244 u
Category
Actinide
Period
7
Group
Actinide series
Phase
solid
Density
19.816 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 32, 24, 8, 2
Atomic Structure
Protons: 94. Electrons: 94. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s² 5f⁶
Why Plutonium Matters
Plutonium helps connect atomic number 94, actinide behavior, period 7 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 244 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6p⁶ 7s² 5f⁶ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Plutonium was discovered 1940 by Glenn T. Seaborg, Arthur C. Wahl, Joseph W. Kennedy, Edwin McMillan. Plutonium is a radioactive chemical element with symbol Pu and atomic number 94. It is an actinide metal of silvery-gray appearance that tarnishes when exposed to air, and forms a dull coating when oxidized.
Safety and Handling Context
Plutonium 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 Plutonium?
- Plutonium has atomic number 94, which means a neutral atom has 94 protons and 94 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Plutonium?
- The chemical symbol for Plutonium is Pu.
- What category is Plutonium in?
- Plutonium is classified as a actinide and sits in period 7 of the periodic table.
Explore Plutonium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Plutonium to neighboring elements without losing your place.