1. What Is Californium?

Californium (Cf) is a radioactive chemical element with atomic number 98. It's one of the most expensive substances in the world, primarily used in nuclear reactors and scientific research.

2. How Is The Cost Calculated?

The calculator uses a simple multiplication formula:

Where:

• Weight — Amount of californium in grams
• Price Per Gram — Current market price (typically $27 million per gram)

3. Factors Affecting Price

Details: The price varies based on purity, isotope (Cf-252 is most common), availability, and production costs. Prices can fluctuate significantly due to limited production and high demand in nuclear applications.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the weight in grams and the current market price per gram. The default price is set to $27 million per gram, but you can adjust this based on current market rates.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is californium so expensive?
A: It's extremely rare, difficult to produce, and has specialized applications in nuclear science and medicine.

Q2: Where can I buy californium?
A: Only licensed nuclear facilities and research institutions can legally purchase californium from authorized producers.

Q3: Is californium dangerous?
A: Yes, it's highly radioactive and requires special handling by trained professionals with proper shielding and safety protocols.

Q4: What are the main uses of californium?
A: Primarily used as a neutron source in nuclear reactors, material analysis, and cancer treatment research.

Q5: How is californium produced?
A: It's produced in nuclear reactors by bombarding curium-242 with neutrons over several years.