Polonium (Po)
Polonium is element 84, a post-transition metal in period 6, group 16 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.
Electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p4
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 6
Polonium data
| Atomic number | 84 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Po |
| Atomic mass | [209] (mass number of the longest-lived isotope) |
| Category | Post-transition metal |
| Group | 16 |
| Period | 6 |
| Block | p |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 527 K (253.9 °C) |
| Boiling point | 1235 K (961.9 °C) |
| Density | 9.196 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2 |
| Atomic radius | — |
| 1st ionization energy | 812 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -183 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | -2, +2, +4, +6 |
| Common ion charge | 2+, 4+ |
| Discovered | 1898 |
Orbital diagram
Each box is one orbital holding up to two electrons of opposite spin. Following Hund’s rule, electrons spread out singly across a subshell before pairing.
Work through polonium’s configuration and its ions →
Where polonium sits
Polonium belongs to the post-transition metals. Its Pauling electronegativity of 2 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Polonium FAQ
What is the electron configuration of polonium?
Polonium (Z = 84) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p6 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p4. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p4.
How many valence electrons does polonium have?
6 (outer shell (n = 6)).
What is the atomic mass of polonium?
Polonium has no stable isotopes. Its most stable known isotope has mass number 209, so tables list [209].
Is polonium a metal?
Yes. Polonium is a post-transition metal.
What is the charge of a polonium ion?
Polonium most commonly forms Po2+ or Po4+.