Cadmium (Cd)
Cadmium (Cd, element 48) is a transition metal in group 12, period 5. Atomic mass 112.411, electron configuration [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s², uses and facts.
About Cadmium
Cadmium is a transition metal with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 12, period 5 of the periodic table. Cadmium was discovered in 1817 by Friedrich Strohmeyer.
Cadmium key facts
- Atomic number: 48
- Symbol: Cd
- Atomic mass: 112.411 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 12
- Period: 5
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.69
- Melting point: 594.22 K (321.07 °C)
- Boiling point: 1040 K (766.85 °C)
- Density: 8.65 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: 0, +1, +2
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of cadmium is [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of cadmium
- Batteries
- Pigments
- Nuclear reactor control rods
Did you know?
Cadmium yellow is a brilliant pigment used by Van Gogh and other artists. Highly toxic.
Other elements in group 12 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of cadmium?
The atomic number of cadmium is 48, which means every cadmium atom has 48 protons.
What is the electron configuration of cadmium?
The electron configuration of cadmium is [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s².
What group and period is cadmium in?
Cadmium is a transition metal in group 12, period 5.
What state is cadmium at room temperature?
Cadmium is a solid at room temperature.
What is cadmium used for?
Cadmium is used for batteries, pigments, nuclear reactor control rods.