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Astronomy Chemical element

Beryllium

Beryllium (Be) is positioned in group 2 as an alkaline earth metal, but its chemical behaviour is highly anomalous compared to the rest of the group. Due to its small ionic radius and high ionization energy, it forms mainly covalent compounds and shows a pronounced diagonal relationship with aluminium.

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Astronomy · Chemical element

Beryllium

EL4

Identity

  • Name: Beryllium
  • Symbol: Be
  • Atomic number: 4
  • Atomic mass: 9.0122 u

Position in the periodic table

  • Group: 2
  • Period: 2
  • Category: Alkaline earth metal

Physico-chemical properties

  • Standard state: Solid
  • Melting point: 1287°C
  • Boiling point: 2469°C
  • Density: 1.85 g/cm³
  • Electron configuration: 1s² 2s²

Scientific description

Note: Although beryllium is conventionally classified as an alkaline earth metal, its chemistry differs strongly from Mg → Ra and resembles aluminium much more.

Beryllium is a chemical element with symbol Be and atomic number 4. It belongs to the category of alkaline earth metals and occupies group 2 and period 2. Its standard atomic mass is 9.0122 u.