Periodic table / Scandium

Overview

Scandium is a chemical element with symbol Sc and atomic number 21. A silvery-white metallic d-block element, it has historically been sometimes classified as a rare earth element, together with yttrium and the lanthanoids. It was discovered in 1879 by spectral analysis of the minerals euxenite and gadolinite from Scandinavia.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Scandium is [Ar] 3d1 4s2, with electron shells of 2, 8, 9, 2.

Physical and chemical properties

Scandium is classified as a transition metal. It has an atomic mass of 44.956 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery white.

Real-world uses of Scandium

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

Interesting facts about Scandium

• Scandium has the atomic number 21 and chemical symbol Sc.
• It belongs to period 4, group 3 of the periodic table.
• Scandium was discovered by Lars Fredrik Nilson.

Explore Scandium interactively

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