Chromium (Cr): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Chromium is element 24 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 3DChromium quick facts
| Atomic number | 24 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Cr |
| Atomic mass | 51.996 |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 6, period 4 |
| Block | d-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 13, 1 |
| Discovered | 1798, Vauquelin |
What is chromium used for?
- Stainless steel (corrosion resistance)
- Chrome plating for durability
- Pigments (chrome yellow, chrome green)
Interesting facts about chromium
- Chromium gives rubies their red and emeralds their green. The crystal around the same ion decides the colour
- Stainless steel contains 10 to 30% chromium that forms an invisible oxide layer preventing rust
- Chromium has an anomalous electron configuration due to stability of half-filled d-subshell
Chromium was discovered in 1798 by Vauquelin in France.
Where chromium sits on the periodic table
Chromium is in group 6, period 4. Tap any element to open its page.
Other transition metals
Chromium questions
What is the atomic number of chromium?
Chromium has atomic number 24, so every chromium atom has 24 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Cr and its atomic mass is 51.996.
Is chromium a metal?
Chromium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 6, period 4.
What is the electron configuration of chromium?
The electron configuration of chromium is [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹. Its electrons sit in 4 shells: 2, 8, 13, 1.
What is chromium used for?
Chromium is used for stainless steel (corrosion resistance), chrome plating for durability, pigments (chrome yellow and chrome green).
Who discovered chromium?
Chromium was discovered in 1798 by Vauquelin in France.
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