Atomic Number 48
Cadmium (Cd)
Group12
Period5
BlockD
State @ 25°CSolid
Valence Electrons2 (d-block, variable in compounds)
Electron Config (Noble)[Kr] 5s2 4d10
48CdCadmium112.41
Tap related elements to compare trends across group and period.
Physical Properties
How this element behaves in real-world conditions.
- State (25°C)
- Solid
- Density
- 8.69 g/cm³
- Melting Point
- 321.07 °C
- Boiling Point
- 767 °C
Atomic Structure
Core identity and periodic table positioning.
Electromagnetic Properties
How this element attracts and exchanges electrons.
- Electronegativity
- 1.69
- Ionization Energy
- 8.994 eV
- Electron Affinity
- -0.7 eV
- Metallic Character
- Metal
Hero / Identity Section
Core identity profile for Cadmium with periodic placement and electron context.
- Element Name
- Cadmium
- Symbol
- Cd
- Atomic Number
- 48
- Atomic Mass
- 112.41
- Group
- 12
- Period
- 5
- Block
- D
- Category
- Transition
- Standard State
- Solid
- Electron Configuration (Full)
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10
- Electron Configuration (Noble Gas)
- [Kr] 5s2 4d10
- Valence Electrons
- 2 (d-block, variable in compounds)
Quick Facts Card (Table Layout)
Fast-reference values for physical and energetic properties.
Atomic Radius
161 pm
Ionic Radius
Not available in current dataset
Electronegativity (Pauling)
1.69
1st Ionization Energy
8.994 eV
Electron Affinity
-0.7 eV
Density
8.69 g/cm³
Melting Point
321.07 °C
Boiling Point
767 °C
Heat Capacity
Not available in current dataset
Thermal Conductivity
Not available in current dataset
Visual Components
Visual learning views for table position, shells, orbitals, and phase behavior.
Highlighted Position in Periodic Table Grid
Cd
Row 5, Column 12
Bohr Model Diagram
Cd
Educational shell model for electron arrangement.
Electron Shell Diagram
- K shell2
- L shell8
- M shell18
- N shell18
- O shell2
Orbital Configuration Diagram
1s2/2
2s2/2
2p6/6
3s2/2
3p6/6
4s2/2
3d10/10
4p6/6
5s2/2
4d10/10
Phase Illustration
Solid
Solid lattice
Atomic Structure Section
Nuclear composition and electron shielding interpretation.
- Protons
- 48
- Neutrons (Most Abundant Isotope Estimate)
- 64
- Electrons
- 48
- Electron Configuration Breakdown
- 2 • 8 • 18 • 18 • 2
- Shielding Explanation
- Core electrons (~46) shield part of the nucleus, reducing attraction felt by outer electrons compared with the full nuclear charge.
- Effective Nuclear Charge (Estimate)
- 2
Chemical Properties Section
Category-guided chemistry behavior with periodic context for comparison.
- Common Oxidation States
- Variable (often +2, +3, and higher/lower states depending on element)
- Reactivity Summary
- Moderate to broad reactivity range with strong dependence on oxidation state and ligands.
- Acid/Base Behavior
- Many oxides/hydroxides are amphoteric or weakly basic; behavior varies by element/state.
- Bonding Behavior
- Displays metallic, ionic, and coordination (complex) bonding patterns.
- Typical Compounds
- Oxides, Halides, Coordination complexes
- Periodic Trend Comparison (Group Neighbors)
- Compared with Zn, this element is lower in the group and typically has a larger atomic size and lower ionization tendency. Compared with Hg, this element is higher in the group and often shows a smaller radius with stronger effective attraction to valence electrons.
Isotopes & Nuclear Data
Isotope stability and abundance notes for learning-oriented nuclear context.
- Stable Isotopes
- Stable isotopes are known. Most abundant isotope is commonly represented near Cd-112.
- Radioactive Isotopes
- Radioactive isotopes exist alongside stable isotopes.
- Natural Abundance (%)
- Naturally occurring with isotope-dependent abundance.
- Half-life (If Applicable)
- Stable isotopes have no half-life; radioactive isotopes have isotope-specific half-lives.
- Nuclear Spin (Optional Advanced)
- Advanced isotope-level data is not included in the current core dataset.
- Most Abundant Isotope (Estimate)
- Cd-112
Applications & Uses
How this element appears in industry, biology, medicine, and technology.
- Industrial Uses
- Core materials for catalysts, alloys, structural metals, and chemical manufacturing.
- Biological Role
- Several transition metals are essential trace nutrients; excess can be toxic.
- Medical Use
- Used in diagnostics, implants, imaging agents, and therapeutic complexes.
- Technological Relevance
- Critical for electronics, catalysis, batteries, magnets, and manufacturing.
- Environmental Impact
- Can persist and bioaccumulate depending on element and oxidation state.
Safety & Handling
General hazard guidance for educational reference and lab awareness.
- Toxicity
- Toxicity spans low to high and is oxidation-state dependent; monitor exposure carefully.
- Flammability
- Bulk metals are generally low flammability; powders may be combustible.
- Storage Considerations
- Store according to specific oxidation state/compound hazards; avoid incompatible reagents.
- Regulatory Classification
- Often regulated by occupational exposure limits and compound-specific hazard classes.