Atomic Number
48
Element 48
Cadmium (Cd)
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.
Atomic Mass
112.41 u
Category
Transition Metal
Period
5
Group
Group 12: zinc group
Phase
solid
Density
8.65 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 18, 2
Atomic Structure
Protons: 48. Electrons: 48. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰
Why Cadmium Matters
Cadmium helps connect atomic number 48, transition metal behavior, period 5 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 112.41 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Cadmium was discovered 1817 by Karl Samuel Leberecht Hermann, Friedrich Stromeyer. 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.
Safety and Handling Context
Cadmium is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Cadmium?
- Cadmium has atomic number 48, which means a neutral atom has 48 protons and 48 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Cadmium?
- The chemical symbol for Cadmium is Cd.
- What category is Cadmium in?
- Cadmium is classified as a transition metal and sits in period 5 of the periodic table.
Explore Cadmium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Cadmium to neighboring elements without losing your place.