Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Rutherfordium exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the transition metal family, governed by an electronegativity of n/a and standard valence interactions.
Z = 104Transition Metal
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabRutherfordium
Rf
Standard Atomic Mass: 267 u
Period 7Group 4D-Block
Chemical Specimen/Rf
Concentric Electron Shells7 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 32e⁻→
n=5: 32e⁻→
n=6: 10e⁻→
n=7: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Transition Metal
3D Atom SimulatorRutherfordium (Rf) Scientific Profile
Rutherfordium (Rf) is an element with atomic number 104, classified as a transition metal. Positioned in Period 7, Group 4, and D-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Rn]5f¹⁴6d²7s²) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Rutherfordium
3D Orbitals & Valence Lab
Simulate concentric quantum energy levels, observe valence electron spins, and examine live atomic clouds in full 3D.
Electronic Configuration Lab
Experiment with Aufbau subshell ordering, explore orbital occupancy, and analyze quantum configuration exceptions.
Electron Config
[Rn]5f¹⁴6d²7s²
Electronegativity
n/a Pauling
Year Discovered
1964
Orbital Shells
7 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
d-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 4 • P: 7
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Rutherfordium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Rutherfordium does not play a prominent biological role in human biochemistry, existing primarily as a trace element or mineral component in natural ecosystems.
Geochemistry & Abundance
Cosmic & Terrestrial Occurrence
Elements like Rutherfordium are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Rutherfordium is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rutherfordium
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Rutherfordium?
Rutherfordium (Rf) has an atomic number of 104 and a standard atomic mass of 267 u. It is positioned in Period 7, Group 4, in the D-block, and is classified within the Transition Metal category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Rutherfordium?
The ground-state electron configuration of Rutherfordium is [Rn]5f¹⁴6d²7s². Its 104 electrons are distributed across 7 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 10, 2).
Q
Why does Rutherfordium exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Rutherfordium follows standard Aufbau principle orbital filling. Transition metals and heavy elements optimize their shell filling based on subshell exchange energy and electrostatic stability.
Q
What are the primary commercial and laboratory uses of Rutherfordium?
Rutherfordium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.