Element 38

Strontium (Sr)

Strontium is a chemical element with symbol Sr and atomic number 38. An alkaline earth metal, strontium is a soft silver-white yellowish metallic element that is highly chemically reactive. Humphry Davy first isolated the pure metal in 1808 after earlier studies of strontium minerals from Scotland.

Atomic Number

38

Atomic Mass

87.62 u

Category

Alkaline Earth Metal

Period

5

Group

Group 2: alkaline earth metals

Phase

solid

Density

2.64 g/cm3

Electron Shells

2, 8, 18, 8, 2

Atomic Structure

Protons: 38. Electrons: 38. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.

Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s²

Why Strontium Matters

Strontium helps connect atomic number 38, alkaline earth metal behavior, period 5 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 87.62 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.

Discovery and Occurrence

Strontium was discovered 1808 by Humphry Davy. Strontium is a chemical element with symbol Sr and atomic number 38. An alkaline earth metal, strontium is a soft silver-white yellowish metallic element that is highly chemically reactive. Humphry Davy first isolated the pure metal in 1808 after earlier studies of strontium minerals from Scotland.

Safety and Handling Context

Strontium 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 Strontium?
Strontium has atomic number 38, which means a neutral atom has 38 protons and 38 electrons.
What is the chemical symbol for Strontium?
The chemical symbol for Strontium is Sr.
What category is Strontium in?
Strontium is classified as a alkaline earth metal and sits in period 5 of the periodic table.

Explore Strontium in 3D

Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Strontium to neighboring elements without losing your place.