Return to the Main CHEMystery Page.
Return to the Periodic Table of the Elements

Element 4 - Beryllium (Be) sound

Describe where found, usage, applications, etc... From the mineral beryl, in which it was found in 1798. This element produces alloys that are extremely elastic, hence its role in making gears, springs and other machine parts. Because of its high melting point, beryllium goes into making rocket nose cones.

Properties

Atomic Number: 4
Atomic Weight: 9.01218
Electron Configuration (at ground state): 1s22s2
Oxidation States (Bold most stable): +2
Boiling Point (K): 3243
Melting Point (K): 1560
Density (at 300K -- g/cm3): 1.85
Atomic Volume (at 300K -- cm3/mol) 5.0
Number of stable isotopes: 1
Mass Number (Bold naturally occurring) -- Half-Life -- Disintigration Type: 7 -- 53.3 days -- orbital electron capture
10 -- 1.6 x 104 years -- beta particle (electron) emission
Covalent Radius (Å): 0.90
Atomic Radius (Å): 1.12
First Ionization Potential (V): 9.322
Electronegativity (Pauling's): 1.57
Specific Heat Capacity (at 300K -- J g-1 K-1): 1.825
Heat of Vaporization (kJ/mol): 297
Heat of Fusion (kJ/mol): 11.71
Electrical Conductivity (at 293K for polycrystalline material -- 106 (ohms)-1 cm-1): 25
Thermal Conductivity (at 300K -- W m-1 K-1): 200
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
Acid-Base Properties: Amphoteric