Bohrium
Definition and meaning of Bohrium in chemistry.
![Bohrium element card: symbol Bh, atomic number 107, atomic mass [270], electron configuration [Rn] 5f¹⁴ 6d⁵ 7s², Transition metal, group 7, period 7.](/assets/images/terms/bohrium-chemical-element.webp)
Bohrium is a highly radioactive synthetic element with the symbol Bh and atomic number 107. Bohrium is a heavy transition metal that does not exist in the natural environment. Bohrium must be produced inside a laboratory using powerful particle accelerators.
In more detail
This element is located in group 7 of the periodic table, directly below rhenium. Bohrium has a very short half-life, which means its atoms decay within seconds. A half-life is the time required for half of a radioactive sample to decompose.
Because it decays so fast, scientists cannot gather enough bohrium to see or weigh. Instead, they must study the properties of this element one single atom at a time. Chemists use automated gas systems to observe how bohrium reacts with other substances.
These tests show that bohrium reacts with chlorine and oxygen to form volatile oxychlorides. This reaction proves that bohrium behaves like its lighter group 7 relative, rhenium. To make bohrium, scientists bombard a bismuth target with high-energy chromium ions.
The colliding nuclei fuse to create the new element, which quickly undergoes alpha decay. Alpha decay is a process where an unstable nucleus shoots out helium nuclei. A common student misconception is that superheavy elements behave exactly like their lighter counterparts.
In reality, the massive nucleus causes relativistic effects that slightly shift electron energy levels. These shifts can alter the chemical bonds, though bohrium still acts like a transition metal. Researchers study these changes to test the limits of our current bonding theories. This work helps scientists understand how the heaviest elements in the universe interact.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Bh |
| Atomic number | 107 |
| Atomic mass | [270] u |
| Category | Transition-Metal |
| Year discovered | 1981 |
| Named after | Niels Bohr |
Bohrium currently has no commercial, medical, or industrial uses in the real world. Scientists make these rare atoms only to perform advanced nuclear chemistry research. These experiments help chemists check if periodic table trends remain true for superheavy metals. The data gathered from bohrium helps refine modern computer models of atomic structure.
Frequently asked questions
Why is bohrium so difficult to study?
Bohrium is very hard to study because it is highly radioactive and unstable. Its atoms break down completely within seconds or minutes. This means scientists can only test a few atoms at a time.
Where does bohrium sit on the periodic table?
Bohrium is found in the middle section of the periodic table. It sits in group 7 and period 7. This makes it a heavy transition metal with traits similar to rhenium.
What is the main decay mode of bohrium?
Bohrium primarily decays by emitting alpha particles. These particles consist of two protons and two neutrons, which are identical to helium nuclei.
Related terms
Sources & references
See our sources and editorial standards.