Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Cadmium exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the transition metal family, governed by an electronegativity of 1.69 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 48Transition Metal
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabCadmium
Cd
Standard Atomic Mass: 112.41 u
Period 5Group 12D-Block
Chemical Specimen/Cd
Concentric Electron Shells5 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 18e⁻→
n=5: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Transition Metal
3D Atom SimulatorCadmium (Cd) Scientific Profile
Cadmium (Cd) is an element with atomic number 48, classified as a transition metal. Positioned in Period 5, Group 12, and D-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Kr]4d¹⁰5s²) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Cadmium
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
[Kr]4d¹⁰5s²
Electronegativity
1.69 Pauling
Year Discovered
Ancient Era
Orbital Shells
5 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
d-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 12 • P: 5
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Cadmium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Cadmium 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 Cadmium are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Cadmium is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cadmium
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Cadmium?
Cadmium (Cd) has an atomic number of 48 and a standard atomic mass of 112.41 u. It is positioned in Period 5, Group 12, in the D-block, and is classified within the Transition Metal category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Cadmium?
The ground-state electron configuration of Cadmium is [Kr]4d¹⁰5s². Its 48 electrons are distributed across 5 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 18, 2).
Q
Why does Cadmium exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Cadmium 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 Cadmium?
Cadmium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.