Scandium (Sc)
Transition metal · d-block · period 4 · group 3
Soft, silvery-white metal with a slight pink or yellow cast when it oxidises.
Scandium (symbol Sc) is chemical element number 21, a transition metal in group 3, period 4 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 44.956 and its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d1 4s2. At room temperature it is a solid. Its existence and properties were predicted by Mendeleev as 'eka-boron'.
Properties
| Atomic number | 21 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 44.956 |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Block | d-block |
| Group · Period | 3 · 4 |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d1 4s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 9, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1814 K |
| Boiling point | 3109 K |
| Density | 2.985 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.36 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1879 · Lars Fredrik Nilson |
Key facts about Scandium
- Its existence and properties were predicted by Mendeleev as 'eka-boron'.
- As light as aluminium but with a much higher melting point.
- A little scandium in an aluminium alloy makes very strong welded frames.
- Scandium-iodide lamps give a natural daylight-like light.
What Scandium is used for
Aerospace aluminium alloys, high-intensity stadium lighting, solid-oxide fuel cells.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Scandium is in group 3, period 4, of the d-block. Its electron configuration [Ar] 3d1 4s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Scandium on the interactive table →
Scandium — frequently asked questions
What is Scandium used for?
Aerospace aluminium alloys, high-intensity stadium lighting, solid-oxide fuel cells.
Is Scandium radioactive?
No. Scandium has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Scandium?
Scandium has the electron configuration [Ar] 3d1 4s2, which is 2, 8, 9, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Scandium in?
Scandium is in group 3, period 4, in the d-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Scandium?
Scandium was discovered in 1879 by Lars Fredrik Nilson.