48 Cd Cadmium 112.41 u

Cadmium

Period
5
Group
12
Block
d-block
Phase (STP)
Solid

Cadmium is a soft, bluish-white metal used in batteries, pigments, and coatings. It is toxic and a known carcinogen.

About Cadmium

Cadmium (Cd) is a soft, bluish-white transition metal, element 48, situated in group 12 of period 5 in the d-block. Its electron configuration is [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s², its atomic mass 112.41, and its Pauling electronegativity 1.69. Historically the metal found use in rechargeable batteries, in pigments valued for vivid yellows and reds, and in protective anti-corrosion coatings. These applications have been increasingly curtailed, however, because cadmium is toxic and a recognized carcinogen that accumulates in living tissue. Solid at standard temperature and pressure, it sits below zinc and above mercury in group 12 and shares their preference for the +2 oxidation state.

Physical Properties

Atomic Mass 112.41 u
Phase at STP Solid

Electronic Properties

Electronegativity 1.69

Electron Configuration

Configuration [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s²

Electron Shell Configuration

Cadmium electron shell configuration Cd 2e⁻ 8e⁻ 18e⁻ 18e⁻ 2e⁻
Electron shell structure of Cadmium — electrons per shell.
Shell Electrons
1 (K) 2
2 (L) 8
3 (M) 18
4 (N) 18
5 (O) 2

Position in Periodic Table

Cadmium position in the periodic table Cd

Block & Period

Block

s p d f

Period

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Periodic Table

Lanthanides Actinides

Reactions Involving Cd

Formation of Cadmium Oxide

2Cd + O₂ → 2CdO

Synthesis

Compounds Containing Cadmium

Cadmium Oxide

CdO

Cadmium Sulfide

CdS

More Transition Metal

21 Sc Scandium 22 Ti Titanium 23 V Vanadium 24 Cr Chromium 25 Mn Manganese 26 Fe Iron 27 Co Cobalt 28 Ni Nickel 29 Cu Copper 30 Zn Zinc

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cadmium?
Cadmium (Cd) is a chemical element with atomic number 48. It is a solid at standard temperature and pressure, classified as a transition metal.
What are the key properties of Cadmium?
Cadmium has an atomic mass of 112.41 u.
What is the electron configuration of Cadmium?
The electron configuration of Cadmium is [Kr] 4d10 5s2. It is in the d-block of the periodic table.
What is the electronegativity of Cadmium?
Cadmium has an electronegativity of 1.69 on the Pauling scale.