Atomic NumberAtomic Number of Cadmium
Atomic Number of Cadmium is 48.
Chemical symbol for Cadmium is Cd. Number of protons in Cadmium is 48. Atomic weight of Cadmium is 112.414 u or g/mol. Melting point of Cadmium is 321 °C and its the boiling point is 765 °C.
» Boiling Point » Melting Point » Abundant » State at STP » Discovery YearAbout Cadmium
This chemical element is a soft metal of light grey color, similar to zinc with its properties and physical features. Its name is derived from the Latin word meaning calmine. It is a slivery metal with a beautiful blue tint. It is poisonous and carcinogenic, but still very small doses of cadmium can be found in our body as necessary elements for normal living circle of our cells. It is impossible to find cadmium in its pure form on our planet, so it is extracted from minerals and ores where it comes combined with other chemical elements. Cadmium plays a role for producing batteries, electroplating, various parts for television and other types of electronic equipment, etc. Cadmium compounds are used in producing semi-conductors, in chemical industry and for research.
Uses of Cadmium
Cadmium, silvery-white and soft metallic element with the symbol Cd, is mainly used in rechargeable electrical storage batteries. Cadmium combines with heavy metals to strengthen them. It is also employed in computers, cell phones, cameras, cordless power tools, PVC, and emergency power supplies, etc. Cadmium is used in electroplating in the aircraft industry, as well as in nuclear fission. In addition, Cadmium oxide was used in televisions. Cadmium compounds are employed in paint pigments. For example, Cadmium selenide, an alloy with the formula CdSe, is called "cadmium red".
Compounds with Cadmium
- CdS: Cadmium sulfide
- CdSe: Cadmium selenide
- CdTe: Cadmium telluride
Properties of Cadmium Element
| Atomic Number (Z) | 48 |
|---|---|
| Atomic Symbol | Cd |
| Group | 12 |
| Period | 5 |
| Atomic Weight | 112.414 u |
| Density | 8.69 g/cm3 |
| Melting Point (K) | 594.22 K |
| Melting Point (℃) | 321 °C |
| Boiling Point (K) | 1040 K |
| Boiling Point (℃) | 765 °C |
| Heat Capacity | 0.232 J/g · K |
| Abundance | 0.159 mg/kg |
| State at STP | Solid |
| Occurrence | Primordial |
| Description | Transition metal |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) χ | 1.69 |
| Ionization Energy (eV) | 8.9938 |
| Atomic Radius | 155pm |
| Covalent Radius | 148pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 158 |
| Valence Electrons | 2 |
| Year of Discovery | 1817 |
| Discoverer | Stromeyer and Hermann |