Element 93 · Actinide
Neptunium (Np) — Element 93
Planet Neptune
Neptunium (Np) is an actinide in Period 7 (f-block) of the periodic table with atomic number 93, standard atomic weight [237] u, and ground-state electron configuration [Rn] 5f⁴ 6d¹ 7s². At standard temperature and pressure it is classified as a short-lived synthetic nuclide with 7 valence electrons and common oxidation states +5, +4, +3.
Neutron detectors, research
What are the atomic properties and physical constants of Neptunium?
Reference constants compiled from IUPAC standard atomic weights, the NIST Atomic Spectra Database, and the CRC Handbook.
- Atomic number (Z)
- 93
- Standard atomic mass
- [237] u
- Chemical family
- Actinide
- Ground-state configuration
- [Rn] 5f⁴ 6d¹ 7s²
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 32, 22, 9, 2
- Valence electrons
- 7
- Common ion charges / oxidation states
- +5, +4, +3
- Phase at STP
- Synthetic
- Pauling electronegativity
- 1.36 Pauling
- First ionization energy
- 605 kJ/mol
- Atomic radius
- —
- Melting point
- 644 °C
- Boiling point
- 3,902 °C
- Discovery year
- 1940
- Table coordinate
- Period 7, f-block
- Radioactivity
- Radioactive (no stable isotopes)
How are electrons arranged across Neptunium’s shells?
A neutral Neptunium atom contains 93 electrons distributed across 7 occupied principal energy shells ([Rn] 5f⁴ 6d¹ 7s²). The table below compares Neptunium’s shell occupancy against each shell’s theoretical 2n² capacity.
| Principal Shell (n) | Spectroscopic Letter | Electrons in Np | 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 | 22 e⁻ | 50 e⁻ |
| n = 6 | P | 9 e⁻ | 72 e⁻ |
| n = 7 | Q | 2 e⁻ | 98 e⁻ |
Frequently Asked Questions about Neptunium (Np)
What is the atomic mass and atomic number of Neptunium (Np)?
Neptunium (Np) has atomic number Z = 93 (93 protons in its nucleus) and an IUPAC standard atomic weight of [237] u. It sits in Period 7 in the f-block and is classified as an actinide.
What is the ground-state electron configuration of Neptunium?
The neutral ground-state electron configuration of Neptunium (Z = 93) is [Rn] 5f⁴ 6d¹ 7s². Across its 7 occupied principal shells (n = 1 to n = 7), the electrons per shell are 2, 8, 18, 32, 22, 9, 2, with 7 valence electrons participating in bonding.
What are the common ion charges and electronegativity of Neptunium?
Neptunium commonly forms +5, +4, +3 oxidation states or ion charges in compounds. Its Pauling electronegativity is 1.36 and its first ionization energy is 605 kJ/mol.
When was Neptunium discovered and what is it used for?
Neptunium was discovered in 1940 (Planet Neptune). Neutron detectors, research
How does Neptunium compare to neighboring elements?
Other actinide elements: