Copernicium (Cn)
Transition metal · Radioactive · Synthetic
Copernicium is named for Nicolaus Copernicus, who put the Sun at the centre of the solar system. Intriguingly, calculations hint this heavy relative of mercury might be a volatile, almost noble-gas-like metal.
Position on the periodic table
Atomic properties
| Atomic number | 112 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 285 amu |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d10 6p6 7s2 5f14 6d10 |
| Noble gas shorthand | *[Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 18, 2 |
| Valence electrons (outer shell) | 2 |
| Common oxidation states | None common |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | Not available |
| Covalent radius (approx.) | Not available |
| First ionization energy | Not available |
| Electron affinity | Not available |
Physical properties
| State at 25 °C | Liquid |
|---|---|
| Density | 14 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | Not available |
| Boiling point | 3296.8 °C (3570 K) |
| Appearance | Not available |
| Radioactive | Yes |
| Origin | Synthetic (lab-made) |
Electron configuration of copernicium
Copernicium's ground-state electron configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d10 6p6 7s2 5f14 6d10, usually shortened to *[Rn] 5f14 6d10 7s2. Its electrons occupy 7 shells (2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 18, 2), placing it in period 7 of the d-block. Explore it interactively in the electron configuration calculator.
Uses of copernicium
- Fundamental research only
Biological role: None.
Occurrence: Entirely synthetic.
History and discovery
Discovered: 1996 — Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung. Name origin: Named after Nicolaus Copernicus; symbol Cn.
First made at GSI Darmstadt in 1996; the name was announced on Copernicus's birthday in 2010.
Safety notes
Radioactive; research only.
Educational context only — always follow your school's laboratory rules and never handle chemicals without proper supervision. See our disclaimer.
Practice questions
Quick practice: Copernicium
1. What is the chemical symbol of Copernicium?
2. What is the atomic number of Copernicium?
3. Which category does Copernicium belong to?
4. What is the state of Copernicium at room temperature?
5. Which period of the periodic table is Copernicium in?
Copernicium FAQs
What is the atomic number of copernicium?
Copernicium's atomic number is 112 — every copernicium atom has 112 protons in its nucleus.
What is the symbol for copernicium?
Cn. Named after Nicolaus Copernicus; symbol Cn.
Is copernicium a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Copernicium is classified as a transition metal.
What state is copernicium at room temperature?
At about 25 °C, copernicium is a liquid.
What is copernicium used for?
Key uses include: fundamental research only.
Related elements
Keep working with this element
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