Scandium (Sc): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Scandium is element 21 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 3DScandium quick facts
| Atomic number | 21 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Sc |
| Atomic mass | 44.956 |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 3, period 4 |
| Block | d-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d¹ 4s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 9, 2 |
| Discovered | 1879, Nilson |
What is scandium used for?
- High-performance aluminium alloys
- Baseball bats & bicycle frames
- Solid oxide fuel cells
Interesting facts about scandium
- Named after Scandinavia. Nilson found it while analysing minerals from Scandinavia
- Mendeleyev predicted scandium's existence before it was discovered
- Despite being in the transition metals, scandium chemistry resembles aluminium more
Scandium was discovered in 1879 by Nilson in Sweden.
Where scandium sits on the periodic table
Scandium is in group 3, period 4. Tap any element to open its page.
Other transition metals
Scandium questions
What is the atomic number of scandium?
Scandium has atomic number 21, so every scandium atom has 21 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Sc and its atomic mass is 44.956.
Is scandium a metal?
Scandium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 3, period 4.
What is the electron configuration of scandium?
The electron configuration of scandium is [Ar] 3d¹ 4s². Its electrons sit in 4 shells: 2, 8, 9, 2.
What is scandium used for?
Scandium is used for high-performance aluminium alloys, baseball bats & bicycle frames and solid oxide fuel cells.
Who discovered scandium?
Scandium was discovered in 1879 by Nilson in Sweden.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.