Chromium (Cr)
Chromium (Cr, element 24) is a transition metal in group 6, period 4. Atomic mass 51.996, electron configuration [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹, uses and facts.
About Chromium
Chromium is a transition metal with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 6, period 4 of the periodic table. Chromium was discovered in 1797 by Louis Nicolas Vauquelin.
Chromium key facts
- Atomic number: 24
- Symbol: Cr
- Atomic mass: 51.996 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 6
- Period: 4
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.66
- Melting point: 2180 K (1906.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 2944 K (2670.85 °C)
- Density: 7.19 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −2, −1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of chromium is [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹. The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of chromium
- Stainless steel
- Chrome plating
- Paint pigments
Did you know?
Chrome gives rubies their red color AND emeralds their green color, same element, different crystal structures!
Other elements in group 6 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of chromium?
The atomic number of chromium is 24, which means every chromium atom has 24 protons.
What is the electron configuration of chromium?
The electron configuration of chromium is [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹.
What group and period is chromium in?
Chromium is a transition metal in group 6, period 4.
What state is chromium at room temperature?
Chromium is a solid at room temperature.
What is chromium used for?
Chromium is used for stainless steel, chrome plating, paint pigments.