Periodic table / Cadmium

Overview

Cadmium is a chemical element with symbol Cd and atomic number 48. This soft, bluish-white metal is chemically similar to the two other stable metals in group 12, zinc and mercury. Like zinc, it prefers oxidation state +2 in most of its compounds and like mercury it shows a low melting point compared to transition metals.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Cadmium is [Kr] 4d10 5s2, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 18, 2.

Physical and chemical properties

Cadmium is classified as a transition metal. It has an atomic mass of 112.414 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery bluish-gray metallic.

Real-world uses of Cadmium

As a transition metal, Cadmium is typically used in alloys, industrial manufacturing, electronics, or as a catalyst in chemical reactions.

Interesting facts about Cadmium

• Cadmium has the atomic number 48 and chemical symbol Cd.
• It belongs to period 5, group 12 of the periodic table.
• Cadmium was discovered by Karl Samuel Leberecht Hermann.

Explore Cadmium interactively

Want to compare Cadmium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Cd to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.