Cadmium (Cd)
Cadmium (Cd) is element 48, a transition metal. Atomic mass 112.414, configuration [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s². Properties, isotopes, oxidation states, uses and history, with an interactive 3D atom model.
Key facts
| Atomic number | 48 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Cd |
| Standard atomic weight | 112.414(4) |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group | 12 |
| Period | 5 |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² |
| Valence electrons | 2 |
| Common oxidation states | +2 |
| Common ions | No common ions |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.69 |
| First ionization energy | 868 kJ/mol |
| Atomic radius | 161 pm |
| Density | 8.69 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 321.07°C |
| Boiling point | 767°C |
| Specific heat | 0.231 J/(g·°C) |
Natural isotopes
- Cd-110: Stable
- Cd-111: Stable
- Cd-112: Stable
- Cd-113: Stable
- Cd-114: Stable
- Cd-116: Stable
Common uses
- Ni-Cd Batteries (being phased out)
- Solar cells (CdTe)
- Pigments
Where it matters
- Environmental Pollution (Ni-Cd battery disposal)
- Pigments
Hazards
- Highly toxic
- Carcinogen
- Accumulates in kidneys
History
| Discovered | 1817 |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | Friedrich Stromeyer |
| Name | From Latin cadmia (calamine) |