Element 112 · Transition metal
Copernicium (Cn) — Element 112
Nicolaus Copernicus
Copernicium (Cn) is a transition metal in Period 7, Group 12 of the periodic table with atomic number 112, standard atomic weight [285] u, and ground-state electron configuration [Rn] 5f¹⁴ 6d¹⁰ 7s². At standard temperature and pressure it is classified as a short-lived synthetic nuclide with 12 valence electrons and common oxidation states +2.
Research only
What are the atomic properties and physical constants of Copernicium?
Reference constants compiled from IUPAC standard atomic weights, the NIST Atomic Spectra Database, and the CRC Handbook.
- Atomic number (Z)
- 112
- Standard atomic mass
- [285] u
- Chemical family
- Transition metal
- Ground-state configuration
- [Rn] 5f¹⁴ 6d¹⁰ 7s²
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 18, 2
- Valence electrons
- 12
- Common ion charges / oxidation states
- +2
- Phase at STP
- Synthetic
- Pauling electronegativity
- —
- First ionization energy
- —
- Atomic radius
- —
- Melting point
- —
- Boiling point
- —
- Discovery year
- 1996
- Table coordinate
- Period 7, Group 12
- Radioactivity
- Radioactive (no stable isotopes)
How are electrons arranged across Copernicium’s shells?
A neutral Copernicium atom contains 112 electrons distributed across 7 occupied principal energy shells ([Rn] 5f¹⁴ 6d¹⁰ 7s²). The table below compares Copernicium’s shell occupancy against each shell’s theoretical 2n² capacity.
| Principal Shell (n) | Spectroscopic Letter | Electrons in Cn | Max Shell Capacity (2n²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| n = 1 | K | 2 e⁻ | 2 e⁻ |
| n = 2 | L | 8 e⁻ | 8 e⁻ |
| n = 3 | M | 18 e⁻ | 18 e⁻ |
| n = 4 | N | 32 e⁻ | 32 e⁻ |
| n = 5 | O | 32 e⁻ | 50 e⁻ |
| n = 6 | P | 18 e⁻ | 72 e⁻ |
| n = 7 | Q | 2 e⁻ | 98 e⁻ |
Frequently Asked Questions about Copernicium (Cn)
What is the atomic mass and atomic number of Copernicium (Cn)?
Copernicium (Cn) has atomic number Z = 112 (112 protons in its nucleus) and an IUPAC standard atomic weight of [285] u. It sits in Period 7, Group 12 and is classified as a transition metal.
What is the ground-state electron configuration of Copernicium?
The neutral ground-state electron configuration of Copernicium (Z = 112) is [Rn] 5f¹⁴ 6d¹⁰ 7s². Across its 7 occupied principal shells (n = 1 to n = 7), the electrons per shell are 2, 8, 18, 32, 32, 18, 2, with 12 valence electrons participating in bonding.
What are the common ion charges and electronegativity of Copernicium?
Copernicium commonly forms +2 oxidation states or ion charges in compounds. Its Pauling electronegativity is — and its first ionization energy is —.
When was Copernicium discovered and what is it used for?
Copernicium was discovered in 1996 (Nicolaus Copernicus). Research only
How does Copernicium compare to neighboring elements?
Other transition metal elements: