Zirconium (Zr)
Zirconium (Zr, element 40) is a transition metal in group 4, period 5. Atomic mass 91.224, electron configuration [Kr] 4d² 5s², uses and facts.
About Zirconium
Zirconium is a transition metal with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 4, period 5 of the periodic table. Zirconium was discovered in 1789 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth.
Zirconium key facts
- Atomic number: 40
- Symbol: Zr
- Atomic mass: 91.224 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 4
- Period: 5
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Kr] 4d² 5s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.33
- Melting point: 2128 K (1854.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 4682 K (4408.85 °C)
- Density: 6.52 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −2, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of zirconium is [Kr] 4d² 5s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of zirconium
- Nuclear reactors
- Ceramics
- Jewelry
Did you know?
Cubic zirconia (ZrO₂) is used as a diamond substitute. Real zirconium is practically transparent to neutrons.
Other elements in group 4 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of zirconium?
The atomic number of zirconium is 40, which means every zirconium atom has 40 protons.
What is the electron configuration of zirconium?
The electron configuration of zirconium is [Kr] 4d² 5s².
What group and period is zirconium in?
Zirconium is a transition metal in group 4, period 5.
What state is zirconium at room temperature?
Zirconium is a solid at room temperature.
What is zirconium used for?
Zirconium is used for nuclear reactors, ceramics, jewelry.