Element 104 in the periodic table is Rf. Determine the atomic number of the element just below Rf in the periodic table. atomic number:
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: 160
Element 104 in the periodic table is Rutherfordium (Rf). It belongs to Group 4 and is part of the d-block of the 7th period, meaning it is a transition metal. In the periodic table, elements in the same group share similar properties, and the element below another is found in the next period but within the same group.
To determine the element just below Rutherfordium, we must look at the element that would occupy Group 4, Period 8. This would be the superheavy element that follows the known sequence of the periodic table.
While the periodic table currently ends officially at element 118 (Oganesson), theoretical predictions and nuclear research suggest that heavier elements could exist, up to atomic numbers around 170. These are part of the so-called extended periodic table.
According to extrapolated periodic trends and relativistic quantum calculations, the element directly below Rutherfordium in Group 4, Period 8, would be element 160. It is sometimes referred to informally as “Unhexnilium (Uhn)”, though this name is not officially recognized by IUPAC.
Why element 160?
As you move to higher atomic numbers:
- Each new period accommodates more elements due to the increased complexity of electron orbitals.
- Period 8 is predicted to include g-block elements, which allow for a much larger number of elements than Period 7.
- Based on the arrangement of groups and predicted filling of the electron shells, element 160 is the next Group 4 element.
Summary
- Rutherfordium (Rf) is atomic number 104, in Group 4.
- The element below Rf is in the same group, but the next period: Period 8.
- The predicted atomic number of this element is 160.
Hence, the atomic number of the element just below Rf is 160.
