Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Thorium exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the actinide family, governed by an electronegativity of 1.3 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 90Actinide
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabThorium
Th
Standard Atomic Mass: 232.04 u
Period 7Group 3F-Block
Chemical Specimen/Th
Concentric Electron Shells7 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 32e⁻→
n=5: 20e⁻→
n=6: 8e⁻→
n=7: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Actinide
3D Atom SimulatorThorium (Th) Scientific Profile
Thorium (Th) is an element with atomic number 90, classified as a actinide. Positioned in Period 7, Group 3, and F-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Rn]6d²7s²) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Thorium
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]6d²7s²
Electronegativity
1.3 Pauling
Year Discovered
1828
Orbital Shells
7 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
f-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 3 • P: 7
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Thorium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Thorium 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 Thorium are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Thorium is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thorium
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Thorium?
Thorium (Th) has an atomic number of 90 and a standard atomic mass of 232.04 u. It is positioned in Period 7, Group 3, in the F-block, and is classified within the Actinide category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Thorium?
The ground-state electron configuration of Thorium is [Rn]6d²7s². Its 90 electrons are distributed across 7 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 32, 20, 8, 2).
Q
Why does Thorium exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Thorium 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 Thorium?
Thorium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.