Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Cobalt exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the transition metal family, governed by an electronegativity of 1.88 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 27Transition Metal
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabCobalt
Co
Standard Atomic Mass: 58.933 u
Period 4Group 9D-Block
Chemical Specimen/Co
Concentric Electron Shells4 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 15e⁻→
n=4: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Transition Metal
3D Atom SimulatorCobalt (Co) Scientific Profile
Cobalt (Co) is an element with atomic number 27, classified as a transition metal. Positioned in Period 4, Group 9, and D-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Ar]3d⁷4s²) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Cobalt
3D Orbitals & Valence Lab
Simulate concentric quantum energy levels, observe valence electron spins, and examine live atomic clouds in full 3D.
Electronic Configuration Lab
Experiment with Aufbau subshell ordering, explore orbital occupancy, and analyze quantum configuration exceptions.
Electron Config
[Ar]3d⁷4s²
Electronegativity
1.88 Pauling
Year Discovered
1735
Orbital Shells
4 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
d-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 9 • P: 4
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Cobalt is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Cobalt does not play a prominent biological role in human biochemistry, existing primarily as a trace element or mineral component in natural ecosystems.
Geochemistry & Abundance
Cosmic & Terrestrial Occurrence
Elements like Cobalt are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Cobalt is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cobalt
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Cobalt?
Cobalt (Co) has an atomic number of 27 and a standard atomic mass of 58.933 u. It is positioned in Period 4, Group 9, in the D-block, and is classified within the Transition Metal category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Cobalt?
The ground-state electron configuration of Cobalt is [Ar]3d⁷4s². Its 27 electrons are distributed across 4 principal energy levels (2, 8, 15, 2).
Q
Why does Cobalt exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Cobalt follows standard Aufbau principle orbital filling. Transition metals and heavy elements optimize their shell filling based on subshell exchange energy and electrostatic stability.
Q
What are the primary commercial and laboratory uses of Cobalt?
Cobalt is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.