Cadmium (Cd): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Cadmium is element 48 on the periodic table, a transition metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DCadmium quick facts
| Atomic number | 48 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Cd |
| Atomic mass | 112.414 |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 12, period 5 |
| Block | d-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 18, 2 |
| Discovered | 1817, Stromeyer |
What is cadmium used for?
- Nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries
- Cadmium yellow pigment in art
- Neutron absorber in nuclear reactors
Interesting facts about cadmium
- Cadmium poisoning in Japan ("itai-itai" disease), recognised in the 1950s, 60s, caused severe bone damage
- Cadmium is a by-product of zinc smelting. Worldwide zinc production determines cadmium supply
- Quantum dots. Nanoscale cadmium selenide crystals. Fluoresce in vivid colours (displays now favour cadmium-free dots)
Cadmium was discovered in 1817 by Stromeyer in Germany.
Where cadmium sits on the periodic table
Cadmium is in group 12, period 5. Tap any element to open its page.
Other transition metals
Cadmium questions
What is the atomic number of cadmium?
Cadmium has atomic number 48, so every cadmium atom has 48 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Cd and its atomic mass is 112.414.
Is cadmium a metal?
Cadmium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 12, period 5.
What is the electron configuration of cadmium?
The electron configuration of cadmium is [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s². Its electrons sit in 5 shells: 2, 8, 18, 18, 2.
What is cadmium used for?
Cadmium is used for nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries, cadmium yellow pigment in art and neutron absorber in nuclear reactors.
Who discovered cadmium?
Cadmium was discovered in 1817 by Stromeyer in Germany.
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