Hafnium (Hf)
Hafnium (Hf, element 72) is a transition metal in group 4, period 6. Atomic mass 178.49, electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d² 6s², uses and facts.
About Hafnium
Hafnium is a transition metal with the symbol Hf and atomic number 72. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 4, period 6 of the periodic table. Hafnium was discovered in 1923 by Dirk Coster.
Hafnium key facts
- Atomic number: 72
- Symbol: Hf
- Atomic mass: 178.49 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 4
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d² 6s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.3
- Melting point: 2506 K (2232.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 4876 K (4602.85 °C)
- Density: 13.31 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −2, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of hafnium is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d² 6s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of hafnium
- Nuclear reactor control rods
- Microprocessors
- Superalloys
Did you know?
Hafnium and zirconium are chemically nearly identical, one of the most difficult element separations in chemistry.
Other elements in group 4 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of hafnium?
The atomic number of hafnium is 72, which means every hafnium atom has 72 protons.
What is the electron configuration of hafnium?
The electron configuration of hafnium is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d² 6s².
What group and period is hafnium in?
Hafnium is a transition metal in group 4, period 6.
What state is hafnium at room temperature?
Hafnium is a solid at room temperature.
What is hafnium used for?
Hafnium is used for nuclear reactor control rods, microprocessors, superalloys.