21 Sc 44.956

Scandium

transition metal

Properties

Atomic number
21
Atomic mass
44.956 u
Category
transition metal
Group
3
Period
4
Block
d-block
State (room temp)
Solid
Outer-shell electrons
2
Electronegativity
1.36 (Pauling)
Density
2.985 g/cm³
Melting point
1540.85 °C
Boiling point
2835.85 °C

Electron configuration

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹

Noble-gas shorthand: [Ar] 3d¹ 4s²

Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 9, 2, which is 2 in the outermost shell.

Related: electron configuration, the Bohr model, valence electrons.

Sc
Bohr model; outer-shell electrons in blue

About Scandium

Scandium is a chemical element with symbol Sc and atomic number 21. A silvery-white metallic d-block element, it has historically been sometimes classified as a rare earth element, together with yttrium and the lanthanoids. It was discovered in 1879 by spectral analysis of the minerals euxenite and gadolinite from Scandinavia.

Scandium: frequently asked questions

What is Scandium?
Scandium (Sc) is the chemical element with atomic number 21. It is a metal: specifically a transition metal.
What is the atomic number of Scandium?
Scandium's atomic number is 21, which means every Scandium atom has 21 protons in its nucleus.
What is the electron configuration of Scandium?
The electron configuration of Scandium is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d1 (noble-gas shorthand: [Ar] 3d1 4s2). Its electrons are arranged in shells of 2, 8, 9, 2, with 2 in the outermost shell.
Is Scandium a metal or a nonmetal?
Scandium is a metal: specifically a transition metal.
What group and period is Scandium in?
Scandium is in group 3 and period 4 of the periodic table.
Is Scandium a solid, liquid, or gas?
At room temperature, Scandium is a solid.

Position in the periodic table

Open the interactive periodic table →

Data compiled from Wikipedia, PubChem, and IUPAC. Source.