Definition

Noun: 1. A radioactive transuranic element: A synthetic, metallic chemical element with the atomic number 97, belonging to the actinide series. It is produced artificially, typically by bombarding other elements like americium with alpha particles (helium nuclei).

Usage

• Scientific Identification: The term "atomic number 97" is used primarily in scientific and technical contexts to identify the specific element berkelium (Bk) by its fundamental property—the number of protons in its nucleus.
• Formal Naming: It serves as a systematic name for the element before or in lieu of using its common name, berkelium.

Examples

• The isotope with mass number 249 is the most stable form of atomic number 97.
• Atomic number 97 was first synthesized in 1949 by a team at the University of California, Berkeley.
• All isotopes of atomic number 97 are radioactive and have relatively short half-lives.

Advanced Usage

• In Nuclear Chemistry: The term is used in equations and discussions concerning transuranium element synthesis, nuclear reactions, and the periodic table's structure.
  • The research paper detailed the neutron capture cross-section for atomic number 97.

Variants and Related Words

• Berkelium (Bk): The conventional name for the element with atomic number 97.
• Transuranic element: Any chemical element with an atomic number greater than 92 (uranium). Atomic number 97 is one such element.
• Actinide: Any of the 15 metallic elements from atomic number 89 to 103. Atomic number 97 is a member of this series.

Synonyms

• Berkelium (Bk) (This is the direct synonym, being the element's name).

Notes on Meaning

• The term "atomic number 97" has a single, precise scientific meaning referring to the element berkelium. It is not used in idiomatic or figurative language. Its usage is confined to chemistry, physics, and related technical fields.

Noun

1. a radioactive transuranic element; discovered by bombarding americium with helium