| Origin of Name |
After the state, California |
| Date and Place of Discovery |
The University of California on March 17, 1950 |
| Discovered by |
Stanley Thompson, Kenneth Street, Jr.,
Albert Ghiorso, and
Glenn Theodore Seaborg in 1950 |
| Common Compounds |
- Californium bromide (CfBr2)
- Californium chloride (CfCl3)
- Californium fluoride
(CfF3)
- Californium iodide (CfI2)
|
| Interesting facts |
- Californium was discovered by bombarding curium with
alpha particles.
- It is the heaviest element by weighable amounts.
- Very radioactive and harmful.
|
| Common Uses |
- Treats certain cervical and brain cancers, when radiation therapy in ineffective.
- In portable metal detectors.
|