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Beryllium Element Number Four
10-Be with 6 nuclear neutrons is not stable but has a long half life of one and a half million years. Since it can be formed in the upper atmosphere from gases interacting with cosmic rays in a process called spallation (a kind of fusion) this isotope can be found in trace amounts on the surface of the earth. Beryllium as a Metal As with all other elements, Beryllium atoms are most stable when they have a full outer shell of electrons. Since the neutral electron configuration of the beryllium element atom is 1s2 2s2 (total of 4 electrons) the atom either needs to pick up another six electrons, thereby becoming 1s2 2s2 2p6, or lose two electrons to become 1s2. 
Since atoms cannot gain or lose more than four electrons, Beryllium atoms achieve stability by shedding their two outermost electrons and forming positively charged ions, Be2+. In the solid metal form of Beryllium, these positive ions are locked into a lattice by the presence of the negatively charged free electrons. The electrons are also held in place by the positive ions, though they are free to move. These are called delocalized electrons and are fundamental to the structure and function of all metals. Uses of Beryllium Metal The lightness of the metal is due to the minimal weight of the nucleus. The nuclei in a sample of beryllium metal have only 9 nuclear particles, whereas the nuclei of, say. iron has on average 56 particles. Due to its light weight it is a popular choice for components in the aerospace and military industries. Return from Beryllium Element Number Four to The Chemistry or return to the Green Planet home page for more Solar Power Facts.
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Beryllium element is the lightest pure substance to stalbe at room temperature. The metal beryllium is extremely light, somewhat flexible and highly tolerant of extremely low temperatures.