Periodic Table Guide
Cadmium (Cd) has atomic number 48 and is classified as a transition metal. It sits in Group 12, period 5 of the periodic table. Its practical relevance includes nickel-cadmium batteries, coatings and pigments in declining or tightly controlled applications.
Quick facts
Position in the periodic table
Transition metals occupy the d-block and are central to structural alloys, catalysis, electrical systems and high-temperature engineering. Many display multiple oxidation states and form useful intermetallics or complex alloys.
Cadmium belongs to period 5. Its position helps explain recurring trends such as atomic size, bonding behavior, oxidation states and the way it interacts with neighboring elements.
Why Cadmium matters
In engineering and technology, cadmium is associated with nickel-cadmium batteries, coatings and pigments in declining or tightly controlled applications. The importance of the element may come from the pure element itself, from compounds containing it, or from its role as an alloying, electronic, catalytic or nuclear material.
Engineering and scientific context
Material behavior should never be inferred from the element name alone. Purity, isotope composition, crystal structure, processing history, temperature and the surrounding chemical environment can all change performance. In alloys and compounds, the contribution of cadmium depends on concentration and interaction with the other constituents.
Safety and handling
Cadmium and several of its compounds can present significant toxicological hazards. Exposure limits, waste controls and the exact chemical form must be considered before industrial use.
Related elements
Zinc (Zn) · Mercury (Hg) · Copernicium (Cn) · Silver (Ag)
Reference sources
For authoritative element data and current standard atomic-weight guidance, consult the Royal Society of Chemistry Periodic Table and the IUPAC Periodic Table of the Elements.
Continue exploring: Periodic Table · Materials Library · Material Properties · Comparisons
Leave a Reply