2144.956ScScandium
Scandium (Sc) — element 21transition metal · group 3, period 4
Scandium is a chemical element with the symbol Sc and atomic number 21. It is a transition metal in group 3, period 4 of the periodic table (the d-block), with a standard atomic mass of 44.956 u. At room temperature (25 °C) scandium is a solid.
💡 Known for: Added to aluminium to make strong, light alloys for aerospace parts and sports equipment.
# Scandium properties
| Symbol | Sc |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 21 |
| Atomic mass | 44.956 u |
| Category | transition metal |
| Group | 3 |
| Period | 4 |
| Block | d-block |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d¹ 4s² |
| Full configuration | 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹ 4s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 9, 2 |
| Protons / electrons | 21 / 21 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1814 K (1540.8 °C, 2805.5 °F) |
| Boiling point | 3109 K (2835.8 °C, 5136.5 °F) |
| Density | 2.989 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.36 |
| First ionization energy | 6.561 eV |
| Atomic radius | 184 pm |
| Discovered | 1879 |
# Electron configuration of scandium
The electron configuration of scandium is [Ar] 3d¹ 4s², written out in full as 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹ 4s². Its 21 electrons fill 4 shells as 2, 8, 9, 2, so the outermost shell holds 2 electrons.
# Related elements
CaCalciumprevious elementTiTitaniumnext elementYYttriumgroup 3VVanadiumtransition metalCrChromiumtransition metalMnManganesetransition metalFeIrontransition metalCoCobalttransition metalNiNickeltransition metalCuCoppertransition metalZnZinctransition metal
# Scandium FAQ
What is the atomic number of scandium?
The atomic number of scandium is 21: every scandium atom has 21 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Sc.
What is the atomic mass of scandium?
The standard atomic mass of scandium is 44.956 u.
What is the electron configuration of scandium?
Scandium's electron configuration is [Ar] 3d¹ 4s² (1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹ 4s²), with 2, 8, 9, 2 electrons per shell.
Is scandium a metal?
Yes. Scandium is a transition metal, one of the metals.
What is the melting point of scandium?
Scandium melts at 1814 K (1540.8 °C, 2805.5 °F) and boils at 3109 K (2835.8 °C, 5136.5 °F).
What is scandium used for / known for?
Added to aluminium to make strong, light alloys for aerospace parts and sports equipment.