Quick answerScandium (Sc) is a transition metal with atomic number 21 and an atomic mass of 44.956 (2023), in group 3, period 4. It was discovered by Lars Fredrik Nilson in 1879. It is used for aerospace aluminium alloys and sports equipment. Its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d1 4s2.
Scandium is a rare, light metal that strengthens aluminium alloys for fighter jets, baseball bats, and bicycle frames.
Key facts
| Symbol | Sc |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 21 |
| Atomic mass | 44.956 (IUPAC standard atomic weight, 2023) |
| Category | transition metal |
| Group | 3 |
| Period | 4 |
| Block | d-block |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d1 4s2 |
| Discovered | Lars Fredrik Nilson, 1879 |
| Uses | aerospace aluminium alloys, sports equipment, high-intensity lamps, fuel cells, 3D printing alloys |
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Keep exploring
- Periodic table — all 118 elements
- Titanium (Ti) — another transition metal, atomic number 22
- Vanadium (V) — another transition metal, atomic number 23
- Chromium (Cr) — another transition metal, atomic number 24
- Manganese (Mn) — another transition metal, atomic number 25
- Iron (Fe) — another transition metal, atomic number 26
- Cobalt (Co) — another transition metal, atomic number 27
- Nickel (Ni) — another transition metal, atomic number 28
- Copper (Cu) — another transition metal, atomic number 29
- Zinc (Zn) — another transition metal, atomic number 30
- Yttrium (Y) — another transition metal, atomic number 39
- All transition metal elements — on the periodic table
Sources & last updated
- CIAAW — Standard Atomic Weights
- PubChem Periodic Table
- Wikipedia — Timeline of chemical element discoveries
Last updated: . Figures are shown with their year; where sources disagree, the value is left out rather than estimated.