87
Room of the Elements · No. 87
Francium (Fr): what kind of element is it?
日本語
In short
Francium is element number 87, with the symbol Fr. Its name comes from France.
Atomic number 87(223)
FrFranciumフランシウム (furanshiumu)- Symbol
- Fr
- Atomic weight
- (223)
- Place in the table
- Period 7 · Group 1
The number in parentheses is not an atomic weight. It is the mass number of one radioactive isotope of the element.
Atomic weight from the Chemical Society of Japan, “Table of Standard Atomic Weights with Four Significant Figures (2026)”.
Named for France
Francium was discovered in 1939 and named after France. Another element named after France is gallium, from Gallia, the old Latin name.
Where it sits on the table
Francium is in the seventh row of Group 1, at the very bottom, below lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and caesium.
Think about it
- Q1Why might one country give its name to two elements?
- Q2Can you name the Group 1 elements from the top?
- Q3How many elements named after countries can you find in the Room of the Elements?
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — Elements linked to France: gallium (1875) and francium (1939). Lutetium is named after the old name of Paris.