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Scandium (Sc) – Element 21 of the periodic table

Scandium (symbol Sc) is element number 21 of the periodic table and belongs to the “Transition metal” category. Its atomic mass is about 44.956, and its phase under standard conditions is Solid. This element sits in period 4 and group 3 of the periodic table, and its electrons are arranged in shells of 2, 8, 9, 2. The short electron configuration of Scandium is [Ar] 3d¹ 4s². Known uses of Scandium include Aluminum alloys, Mercury vapor lamps and Sports equipment.

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Properties of Scandium

Atomic number
21
Chemical symbol
Sc
Atomic mass
44.956
Category
Transition metal
Period
4
Group
3
Phase
Solid
Protons
21
Electrons
21
Neutrons (approx.)
24
Electron shells
2, 8, 9, 2
Outer-shell electrons
2
Discovered
Lars Fredrik Nilson (1879)

Electron configuration of Scandium

The electron configuration of Scandium (Sc), with 21 electrons, is shown below. The last shell (shell 4) is highlighted:

Full configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹ 4s²
Short configuration
[Ar] 3d¹ 4s²
Last shell
4s²

What is electron configuration and how is it written?

Electron shells of Scandium

Distribution of 21 electrons of Scandium across shells K to N:

  1. K2
  2. L8
  3. M9
  4. N2

What is a transition metal?

The transition metals are the d-block elements: usually good conductors of heat and electricity, with several oxidation states, and they form colourful compounds and important catalysts.

Uses of Scandium

Frequently asked questions about Scandium

What is the atomic number of Scandium?

The atomic number of Scandium (Sc) is 21; that is, every atom of it has 21 protons.

What is the electron configuration of Scandium?

The electron configuration of Scandium (Sc) is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹ 4s²; in short form it is [Ar] 3d¹ 4s², and its last shell is 4s².

What is the chemical symbol of Scandium?

The chemical symbol of Scandium is Sc.

Where is Scandium located in the periodic table?

Scandium is located in period 4 and group 3 and belongs to the “Transition metal” category.

What is the atomic mass of Scandium?

The atomic mass of Scandium is about 44.956 (atomic mass units).

What is the phase of Scandium under normal conditions?

The phase of Scandium under standard conditions is Solid.

What are the uses of Scandium?

Uses of Scandium include Aluminum alloys, Mercury vapor lamps and Sports equipment.

Who discovered Scandium?

Scandium was discovered by Lars Fredrik Nilson in 1879.

Elements in the same category as Scandium (Transition metal)

Titanium (Ti)Vanadium (V)Chromium (Cr)Manganese (Mn)Iron (Fe)Cobalt (Co)Nickel (Ni)Copper (Cu)Zinc (Zn)Yttrium (Y)Zirconium (Zr)Niobium (Nb)Molybdenum (Mo)Technetium (Tc)Ruthenium (Ru)Rhodium (Rh)Palladium (Pd)Silver (Ag)Cadmium (Cd)Hafnium (Hf)

See all Transition metals

Scandium’s group 3 neighbours

Yttrium (Y)

Group 3 of the periodic table