CfCl3
Californium chloride
Cf3+ balances chloride ions.
What Is the Charge of Californium?
Californium commonly forms Cf3+ in introductory ionic compounds.
Quick answer: Californium usually has a common ionic charge of +3, written as Cf3+.
| Element | Californium |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Cf |
| Atomic number | 98 |
| Common ionic charge | +3 |
| Common ions | Cf3+ |
Why Californium has this charge
Californium is an actinide. Its chemistry can be specialized, but +3 is the most useful introductory reference range.
This is a classroom reference range, not an exhaustive list of all oxidation states.
Californium charge examples
Cf2O3
Californium oxide
Californium can form oxides where total positive and negative charge balances.
FAQ
Is Californium charge the same as oxidation state?
Ionic charge is the charge on an actual ion. Oxidation state is a bookkeeping number used inside compounds. They can match, but they are not always the same thing.
How do I use this in formulas?
Combine positive and negative ions so the total charge is zero. You can also use the ionic compound calculator.
Where can I see the full chart?
Use the periodic table with charges or the ionic charges chart.