It is element number 98 of the periodic table, whose symbol is Cf and its atomic mass is 249. It can be obtained through the bombardment of Alpha particles to Curium, a synthetic chemical element that is produced artificially; It was discovered as part of the research of the aforementioned compound, carried out at the University of California in 1950, where Curium would be synthesized for the first time. It is within the group of actinides and is considered the second high-density chemical compound (although Einsteinium is the densest), that is, the amount produced can be so large that it can be seen with the naked eye. The name is intended as a tribute to the name State of California, like the university that bears the same name.
Only 20 isotopes of californium are known and the one that definitely has the longest life is californium-251, which can be in the earth's crust for up to 898 years, a period that, according to experts in the field, is very short for the material with which what is being treated; even so, there are other isotopes with lives that end approximately up to 2 years and are the most produced. It is of practical use, as it is widely used to help in the start-up process of nuclear reactors and for investigations such as a constant flow of neutrons.
The effects of californium on the body are different, but among the most important is the low production of red blood cells in the blood, just as it does not comply, it does not contribute to the organisms, as it is radioactive. Among the most important characteristics of Californium, it is found that it is silver, in addition to that it can be easily sliced with a thin blade; likewise, it is very difficult to find on Earth and is not soluble in water.
