Cadmium Element Properties
Explore all key physical and chemical properties of Cadmium (Cd), atomic number 48, with interactive tabs and a live unit converter.
48
Cd
Cadmium
112.414 u
Atomic Number
48
Atomic Mass
112.414 u
Group
12
Period
5
Block
d-block
Classification
Transition Metal
Standard State
Solid (25 °C)
Color
Bluish-white
Symbol
Cd
Overview of Cadmium
Cadmium is a soft, silvery-white metal with a slight bluish tinge. It is a Group 12 transition metal discovered in 1817 by Friedrich Stromeyer in Germany, found as an impurity in zinc carbonate. The name comes from the Latin cadmia (calamine, a zinc ore). Cadmium occurs naturally paired with zinc, and most commercial cadmium is recovered as a byproduct of zinc smelting.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Cadmium |
| Discoverer | Friedrich Stromeyer |
| Discovery Year | 1817 |
| Natural Occurrence | Rare; byproduct of zinc smelting |
| Abundance (Earth crust) | 0.15 ppm |
| Abundance (Universe) | 2 × 10⁻⁷ % |
| CAS Number | 7440-43-9 |
| Stable Isotopes | 8 (most of any element) |
| Most Abundant Isotope | ¹¹⁴Cd (28.73%) |
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Summary
Explore all key physical and chemical properties of Cadmium (Cd), atomic number 48, with interactive tabs and a live unit converter.
How it works
- Select a property tab (Overview, Physical, Electronic, or Uses & Safety) to view different property categories.
- Use the temperature converter to switch melting and boiling points between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.
- Click any property row to highlight it for easy reading.
- The electron configuration diagram shows the orbital shell arrangement visually.
- Use the Copy button on any value to copy it to your clipboard.
Use cases
- Quick reference for chemistry students studying transition metals or Group 12 elements.
- Engineers specifying cadmium-plated hardware or Ni-Cd battery components.
- Teachers preparing lessons on periodic table properties or heavy metals.
- Researchers cross-checking physical constants for cadmium compounds.
- Safety officers reviewing cadmium toxicity and handling guidelines.
- Hobbyist chemists identifying cadmium pigments in historical materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: 2026-06-18 ·
Reviewed by Nham Vu