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Sc

Scandium

Atomic number: 21Mass: 44.956 uCategory: Transition Metal

About Scandium

Scandium is a silvery-white metallic d-block element. It is relatively rare and not widely used in bulk, but it is used in speciality alloys. It was predicted by Mendeleev before its discovery.

Properties

Period
4
Group
3
Block
D
Category
Transition Metal
Electronegativity
1.36 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
633.1 kJ/mol
Melting Point
1814 K (1541°C)
Boiling Point
3109 K (2836°C)
Density
2.985 g/cm³
Oxidation States
+3

Electron Configuration

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹ 4s²
[Ar] 3d¹ 4s²
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:8e⁻
Shell 3:9e⁻
Shell 4:2e⁻

Real-World Uses

Aerospace alloys
Bicycle frames
Sporting goods
Metal halide lamps
Fuel cells

Fun Fact

Scandium was predicted by Mendeleev as 'ekaboron' before its discovery — proof that the periodic table works like a crystal ball!