Cd
Cadmium
Atomic number: 48Mass: 112.414 uCategory: Transition Metal
About Cadmium
Cadmium is a soft, bluish-white metal that is chemically similar to zinc. It is toxic and its use is declining due to environmental concerns. However, it remains important in nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries.
Properties
Period
5
Group
12
Block
D
Category
Transition Metal
Electronegativity
1.69 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
867.8 kJ/mol
Melting Point
594 K (321°C)
Boiling Point
1040 K (767°C)
Density
8.65 g/cm³
Oxidation States
+2
Electron Configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 5s²
[Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s²
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:8e⁻
Shell 3:18e⁻
Shell 4:18e⁻
Shell 5:2e⁻
Real-World Uses
Nickel-cadmium batteries
Pigments
Nuclear reactor control rods
Electroplating
Solar cells (CdTe)
Fun Fact
Cadmium yellow was once a favourite pigment of artists — Van Gogh and Monet used it — but we now know it's highly toxic!