The Elements

Name Sym Atomic Number Group Crystal Structure Atomic Weight Shells Orbitals Valence Melting Point Boiling Point Electro-Negativity Covalent Radius Ionic Radius Atomic Radius Atomic Volume First Ionization Potential Second Ionization Potential Third Ionization Potential Oxydation States Density @ 293 K Specific Heat Heat of Vaporization Heat of Fusion Electrical Conductivity Thermal Conductivity Modulus of Elasticity Coeficient of Thermal Expansion Lattice parm Lattice parm Lattice parm Pronounced Name Origin Description Discovered By Year Location Sources. Uses
Hydrogen H 1 Non-Metal Hexagonal 1.00794 1 1s1 1 -255.34°C -252.87°C 2.2 0.32 Å 1.54 (+1) Å 0.79 Å 14.4 cm³/mol 13.5984 V -- -- ±1 0.00008988 g/cm³ 14.304 J/gK 0.44936 kJ/mol 0.05868 kJ/mol -- 0.001815 W/cmK -- -- --     HI-dreh-jen Greek: hydro (water) and genes (generate) Tasteless, colorless, odorless gas. The most abundant element in the universe. Tenth most abundant element in the earth's crust. Henry Cavendish 1766 England Commercial quantities are produced by reacting superheated steam with methane or carbon. In lab work from reaction of metals with acid solutions or electrolysis. Most hydrogen is used in the production of ammonia. Also used in balloons and in metal refining. Also used as fuel in rockets. Its two heavier isotopes are: deuterium (D) and tritium (T) used respectively for nuclear fission and fusion.
Helium He 2 Noble Gas Hexagonal 4.002602 2 1s2 0 -272.2°C @ 26 atmos. -268.934°C 0 0.93 Å -- 0.49 Å 19.5 cm³/mol 24.5874 V 54.416 V -- 0 0.0001787 g/cm³ 5.193 J/gK 0.0845 kJ/mol -- -- 0.00152 W/cmK -- -- --     HEE-li-em Greek: hêlios (sun). Light, odorless, colorless, tasteless inert gas. Second most abundant element in the universe. Sixth most abundant in the earth's atmosphere. Sir William Ramsey, Nils Langet, P.T.Cleve 1895 Scotland/Sweden Found in natural gas deposits & in the air (5 parts per billion) Constantly lost to space; replenished by radioactive decay (alpha particles). Used in balloons, deep sea diving & welding. Also used in very low temperature research.
Lithium Li 3 Alkali Metal Cubic: Body centered 6.941 2,1 [He] 2s1 1 180.54°C 1342°C 0.98 1.23 Å .76 (+1) Å 2.05 Å 13.10 cm³/mol 5.3917 V 76.638 V 122.451 V 1 0.53 g/cm³ 3.6 J/gK 145.920 kJ/mol 3.00 kJ/mol 0.108 10^6/cm ohm 0.847 W/cmK 10 10³ MPa 46 10^-6 K^-1 3.5101 Å     LITH-i-em Greek: lithos (stone). Soft silvery-white metal. Lightest of metals. Accounts for only 0.0007% of the earth's crust. Johann Arfwedson 1817 Sweden Obtained by passing electric charge through melted lithium chloride and from the silicate mineral called spodumene [LiAl(Si2O6)]. Used in batteries. Also for certain kinds of glass and ceramics. Some is used in lubricants.
Beryllium Be 4 Alkali Earth Metal Hexagonal 9.012182 2,2 [He] 2s2 2 1287°C 2472°C 1.57 0.90 Å .45 (+2) Å 1.40 Å 5.0 cm³/mol 9.3226 V 18.211 V 153.893 V 2 1.848 g/cm³ 1.82 J/gK 292.40 kJ/mol 12.20 kJ/mol 0.313 10^6/cm ohm 2.00 W/cmK 301 10³ MPa 11.3 10^-6 K^-1 2.286 Å   3.584 Å beh-RIL-i-em Greek: beryllos, "beryl" (a mineral). Hard, brittle, steel-gray metal. Lightest rigid metal. Formerly called glucinium (Gl) for its sweet but deadly taste. Fredrich Wöhler, A.A.Bussy 1798 Germany/France Found mostly in minerals like beryl [AlBe3(Si6O18)] and chrysoberyl (Al2BeO4). Pure beryllium is obtained by chemically reducing beryl mineral. Also by electrolysis of beryllium chloride. Its ability to absorb large amounts of heat makes it useful in spacecraft, missiles, aircraft, etc. Emeralds are beryl crystals with chromium traces giving them their green color.
Boron B 5 Non-Metal Rhombohedral 10.811 2,3 [He] 2s2 2p1 3 2079°C 4000°C 2.04 0.82 Å .23 (+3) Å 1.17 Å 4.6 cm³/mol 8.2980 V 25.154 V 37.93 V 3 2.34 g/cm³ 1.02 J/gK 489.70 kJ/mol 50.20 kJ/mol 1.0e-12 10^6/cm ohm 0.270 W/cmK 441 10³ MPa 4.7 10^-6 K^-1 8.80 Å   5.05 Å BO-ron From Arabic and Persian words for borax. Hard, brittle, lustrous black semimetal. Exists in the earth's crust at an average proportion of about 10 parts per million. Sir H. Davy, J.L. Gay-Lussac, L.J. Thénard 1808 England/France Obtained from kernite, a kind of borax (Na2B4O7.10H2O). High purity boron is produced by electrolysis of molten potassium fluroborate and potassium chloride (KCl). Used with titanium & tungsten to make heat resistant alloys for jets & rockets.
Carbon C 6 Non-Metal Hexagonal 12.011 2,4 [He] 2s2 2p2 2,3,4 3825°C (Sublimes) 4827°C 2.55 0.77 Å .16 (+4) Å 0.91 Å 4.58 cm³/mol 11.2603 V 24.383 V 47.887 V (±4),2 2.62 g/cm³ 0.71 J/gK 355.80 kJ/mol -- 0.00061 10^6/cm ohm 1.29 W/cmK 7 10³ MPa 1.0 10^-6 K^-1 2.4619 Å   6.7080 Å KAR-ben Latin: carbo, (charcoal). Allotropic forms include diamonds and graphite. Sixth most abundant element in the universe. Known to the ancients Unknown Unknown Made by burning organic compounds with insufficient oxygen. For making steel, in filters, and many more uses. Radiocarbon dating uses the carbon-14 isotope to date old objects.
Nitrogen N 7 Non-Metal Hexagonal 14.00674 2,5 [He] 2s2 2p3 3,5 -209.86°C -195.8°C 3.04 0.75 Å 1.71 (-3) Å 0.75 Å 17.3 cm³/mol 14.5341 V 29.601 V 47.448 V (±3),5,4,±2,±1 0.0012506 g/cm³ 1.04 J/gK 2.7928 kJ/mol 0.3604 kJ/mol -- 0.0002598 W/cmK -- 240 10^-6 K^-1 --     NYE-treh-gen Greek: nitron and genes, (soda forming). Colorless, odorless, tasteless, generally inert gas. Fifth most abundant element in the universe. Makes up about 78% of earth's atmosphere. Daniel Rutherford 1772 Scotland Obtained from liquid air by fractional distillation. Primarily to produce ammonia and other fertilizers. Also used in making nitric acid, which is used in explosives. Also used in welding and enhanced oil recovery.
Oxygen O 8 Non-Metal Cubic 15.9994 2,6 [He] 2s2 2p4 2 -218.4°C -182.962°C 3.44 0.73 Å 1.40 (-2) Å 0.65 Å 14.0 cm³/mol 13.6181 V 35.117 V 54.934 V -2 0.001429 g/cm³ 0.92 J/gK 3.4099 kJ/mol 0.22259 kJ/mol -- 0.0002674 W/cmK -- 780 10^-6 K^-1 --     OK-si-jen Greek: oxys and genes, (acid former). Colorless, odorless, tasteless gas; pale blue liquid. Third most abundant element in the universe. It is the most abundant element in the earth's crust, and makes up almost 21% of the atmosphere. Joseph Priestly, Carl Wilhelm Scheele 1774 England/Sweden Obtained primarily from liquid air by fractional distillation. Small amounts are made in the laboratory by electrolysis of water or heating potassium chlorate (KClO3) with manganese dioxide (MnO2) catalyst. Used in steel making, welding, and supporting life. Naturally occuring ozone (O3) in the upper atmosphere shields the earth from ultraviolet radiation.
Fluorine F 9 Halogen Cubic 18.9984032 2,7 [He] 2s2 2p5 1 -219.62°C -188.14°C 3.98 0.72 Å 1.33 (-1) Å 0.57 Å 12.6 cm³/mol 17.4228 V 34.97 V 62.707 V -1 0.001696 g/cm³ 0.82 J/gK 3.2698 kJ/mol 0.2552 kJ/mol -- 0.000279 W/cmK -- 1800 10^-6 K^-1 --     FLU-eh-reen Latin: fluere (flow). Greenish-yellow, pungent, corrosive gas. Extremely reactive. Does not occur uncombined in nature. Henri Moissan 1886 France Found in the minerals fluorite (CaF2) and cryolite(Na3AlF6). Electrolysis of hydrofluoric acid (HF) or potassium acid fluoride (KHF2) is the only practical method of commercial production. Used in refrigerants and other fluorocarbons. Also in toothpaste as sodium fluoride (NaF) and stannous fluoride (SnF2); also in Teflon.
Neon Ne 10 Noble Gas Cubic: Face centered 20.1797 2,8 [He] 2s2 2p6 0 -248.67°C -246.048°C 0 0.71 Å -- 0.51 Å 17.3 cm³/mol 21.5645 V 40.962 V 63.45 V 0 0.0008999 g/cm³ 0.904 J/gK 1.7326 kJ/mol 0.3317 kJ/mol -- 0.000493 W/cmK -- 1900 10^-6 K^-1 --     NEE-on Greek: neos (new). Colorless, odorless, tasteless inert gas. Fourth most abundant element in the universe and fifth most abundant in the earth's atmosphere (18.18 ppm). Sir William Ramsey, M.W. Travers 1898 England Obtained from production of liquid air as a byproduct of producing liquid oxygen and nitrogen. Primarily for lighting.
Sodium Na 11 Alkali Metal Cubic: Body centered 22.989768 2,8,1 [Ne] 3s1 1 97.81°C 882.9°C 0.93 1.54 Å 1.02 (+1) Å 2.23 Å 23.7 cm³/mol 5.1391 V 47.286 V 71.641 V 1 0.971 g/cm³ 1.23 J/gK 96.960 kJ/mol 2.598 kJ/mol 0.210 10^6/cm ohm 1.41 W/cmK 5 10³ MPa 71 10^-6 K^-1 4.2908 Å     SO-di-em Medieval Latin: sodanum, (headache remedy); symbol from Latin natrium, (sodium carbonate). Soft silvery-white metal. Sixth most abundant element in the earth's crust. Burns in air with a brilliant white flame. Sir Humphrey Davy 1807 England Obtained by electrolysis of melted sodium chloride (salt), borax and cryolite. There are few uses for the pure metal, however its compounds are used in medicine, agriculture and photography. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is table salt. Liquid sodium is sometimes used to cool nuclear reactors.
Magnesium Mg 12 Alkali Earth Metal Hexagonal 24.305 2,8,2 [Ne] 3s2 2 648.8°C 1090°C 1.31 1.36 Å .72 (+2) Å 1.72 Å 13.97 cm³/mol 7.6462 V 15.035 V 80.143 V 2 1.738 g/cm³ 1.02 J/gK 127.40 kJ/mol 8.954 kJ/mol 0.226 10^6/cm ohm 1.56 W/cmK 44.4 10³ MPa 24.8 10^-6 K^-1 3.2095 Å   5.2107 Å mag-NEE-zih-em From Magnesia ancient city in district of Thessaly, Greece. Lightweight, malleable, silvery-white metal. Eighth most abundant element in the universe. Seventh most abundant element in the earth's crust. Sir Humphrey Davy 1808 England Usually obtained by electrolysis of melted magnesium chloride (MgCl2) found in sea water. Each cubic mile of seawater contains about 12 billion pounds of magnesium. Used in alloys to make airplanes, missiles and other uses for light metals. Has structural properties similar to aluminium. But since it is flammable at temperatures of burning gasoline, its uses are limited.
Aluminum Al 13 Metal Cubic: Face centered 26.981539 2,8,3 [Ne] 3s2 3p1 3 660.37°C 2519°C 1.5 1.18 Å .54 (+3) Å 1.82 Å 10.0 cm³/mol 5.9858 V 18.828 V 28.447 V 3 2.702 g/cm³ 0.90 J/gK 293.40 kJ/mol 10.790 kJ/mol 0.377 10^6/cm ohm 2.37 W/cmK 70.5 10³ MPa 23.1 10^-6 K^-1 4.0497 Å     ah-LOO-men-em Latin: alumen, aluminis, (alum). Soft, lightweight, silvery-white metal. Third most abundant element in the earth's crust. Hans Christian Oersted 1825 Denmark Never occurs in free form. Obtained by electrolysis from bauxite (Al2O3). Used for many purposes from airplanes to beverage cans. Too soft in its pure form so less than 1% of silicon or iron is added, which hardens and strengthens it.
Silicon Si 14 Non-Metal Cubic: Face centered 28.0855 2,8,4 [Ne] 3s2 3p2 4 1410°C 3265°C 1.8 1.11 Å .26 (+4) Å 1.46 Å 12.1 cm³/mol 8.1517 V 16.345 V 33.492 V 2,(4),-4 2.33 g/cm³ 0.71 J/gK 384.220 kJ/mol 50.550 kJ/mol 2.52e-12 10^6/cm ohm 1.48 W/cmK 162 10³ MPa 2.6 10^-6 K^-1 5.4309 Å     SIL-i-ken Latin: silex, silicus, (flint). Amorphous form is brown power; crystalline form has gray metallic appearance. Seventh most abundant element in the universe. Second most plentiful element in the earths crust. Jöns Berzelius 1824 Sweden Makes up major portion of clay, granite, quartz (SiO2), and sand. Commercial production depends on a reaction between sand (SiO2) and carbon at a temperature of around 2200 °C. Used in glass as silicon dioxide (SiO2). Silicon carbide (SiC) is one of the hardest substances known and used in polishing. Also the crystalline form is used in semiconductors.
Phosphorus P 15 Non-Metal Monoclinic 30.973762 2,8,5 [Ne] 3s2 3p3 3,5 44.1°C 277°C 2.19 1.06 Å .17 (+5) Å 1.23 Å 17.0 cm³/mol 10.4867 V 19.725 V 30.18 V ±3,(5),7 1.82 g/cm³ 0.77 J/gK 12.129 kJ/mol 0.657 kJ/mol 1.0e-17 10^6/cm ohm 0.00235 W/cmK 5 10³ MPa 127 10^-6 K^-1 3.3137 Å 10.478 Å 4.3765 Å FOS-fer-es Greek: phosphoros, (bringer of light). Soft white waxy phosphorescent solid, brownish-red powder or black solid. Hennig Brand 1669 Germany Found most often in phosphate rock. Pure phosphorus is obtained by heating a mixture of phosphate rock, coke, and silica to about 1450 °C. Used in the production of fertilizers and detergents. Some is used in fireworks, safety matches, and incendiary weapons. Also some applications for it and some of its compounds which glow in the dark.
Sulfur S 16 Non-Metal Orthorhombic 32.066 2,8,6 [Ne] 3s2 3p4 2,4,6 115.21°C 444.6°C 2.58 1.02 Å .29 (+6) Å 1.09 Å 15.5 cm³/mol 10.3600 V 23.33 V 34.83 V ±2,4,(6) 2.07 g/cm³ 0.71 J/gK -- 1.7175 kJ/mol 0.5e-23 10^6/cm ohm 0.00269 W/cmK 19 10³ MPa 70 10^-6 K^-1 10.4650 Å 12.8665 Å 24.4869 Å SUL-fer Latin: sulphur (brimstone). Tasteless, odorless, pale yellow, brittle solid. Tenth most abundant element in the universe. Known to the ancients. Unknown Unknown Found in pure form and in ores like cinnabar, galena, sphalerite and stibnite. Pure form is obtained from undergound deposits by the Frasch process. Used in matches, gunpowder, medicines, rubber and pesticides, dyes and insecticides. Also for making sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
Chlorine Cl 17 Halogen Orthorhombic 35.4527 2,8,7 [Ne] 3s2 3p5 1,3,5,7 -100.98°C -34.6°C 3.16 0.99 Å 1.81 (-1) Å 0.97 Å 16.9 cm³/mol 12.9676 V 23.81 V 39.611 V (±1),3,5,7 0.003214 g/cm³ 0.48 J/gK 10.20 kJ/mol 3.203 kJ/mol -- 0.000089 W/cmK -- -- --     KLOR-een Greek: chlôros (greenish yellow). Greenish-yellow, disagreeable gas. Never found in free form in nature. Carl Wilhelm Scheele 1774 Sweden Salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) is its most common compound. Commercial quantities are produced by electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride (seawater or brine from salt mines). Used in water purification, bleaches, acids and many, many other compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC).
Argon Ar 18 Noble Gas Cubic: Face centered 39.948 2,8,8 [Ne] 3s2 3p6 0 -189.2°C -185.7°C 0 0.98 Å -- 0.88 Å 23.9 cm³/mol 15.7596 V 27.629 V 40.74 V 0 0.0017824 g/cm³ 0.520 J/gK 6.447 kJ/mol 1.188 kJ/mol -- 0.0001772 W/cmK 3 10³ MPa 618 10^-6 K^-1 --     AR-gon Greek: argos (inactive). Colorless, odorless, tasteless noble gas. It is the third most abundant element in the earth's atmosphere and makes up about 1%. Sir William Ramsey, Baron Rayleigh 1894 Scotland Continuously released into the air by decay of radioactive potassium-40. Pure form is obtained from fractional distillation of liquid air. Used in lighting products. It is often used in filling incandescent light bulbs. Some is mixed with krypton in fluorescent lamps. Crystals in the semiconductor industry are grown in argon atmospheres.
Potassium K 19 Alkali Metal Cubic: Body centered 39.0983 2,8,8,1 [Ar] 4s1 1 63.25°C 759.9°C 0.82 2.03 Å 1.51 (+1) Å 2.77 Å 45.46 cm³/mol 4.3407 V 31.625 V 45.72 V 1 0.862 g/cm³ 0.75 J/gK 79.870 kJ/mol 2.334 kJ/mol 0.139 10^6/cm ohm 1.024 W/cmK 2.4 10³ MPa 82 10^-6 K^-1 5.247 Å     pe-TASS-i-em English: pot ash; symbol from Latin: kalium, (alkali). Soft, waxy, silver-white metal. Eighth most abundant element in the earth's crust (20,900 ppm). Occurs only in compounds. Sir Humphrey Davy 1807 England Found in minerals like carnallite [(KMgCl3).6H2O] & sylvite (potassium chloride, KCL). Pure metal is produced by the reaction of hot potassium chloride and sodium vapors in a special retort. Used as potash in making glass & soap. Also as saltpeter, potassium nitrate (KNO3) to make explosives and to color fireworks in mauve. Formerly called kalium (K). Vital to function of nerve and muscle tissures.
Calcium Ca 20 Alkali Earth Metal Cubic: Face centered 40.078 2,8,8,2 [Ar] 4s2 2 839°C 1484°C 1 1.74 Å 1.00 (+2) Å 2.23 Å 25.9 cm³/mol 6.1132 V 11.871 V 50.908 V 2 1.55 g/cm³ 0.63 J/gK 153.60 kJ/mol 8.540 kJ/mol 0.298 10^6/cm ohm 2.00 W/cmK 21 10³ MPa 22.3 10^-6 K^-1 5.5886 Å     KAL-si-em Latin: calx, calcis (lime). Fairly hard, silvery-white metal. Fifth most abundant element in the earth's crust (41,500 ppm). Occurs only in compounds. Sir Humphrey Davy 1808 England Obtained from minerals like chalk, limestone & marble. Pure metal is produced by replacing the calcium in lime (calcium carbonate, CaCO3) with aluminium in hot, low pressure retorts. Used by many forms of life to make shells and bones. Virtually no use for the pure metal, however two of its compounds are, lime (CaO) and gypsum (CaSO4), are in great demand by a number of industries.
Scandium Sc 21 Transition Metal Hexagonal 44.95591 2,8,9,2 [Ar] 3d1 4s2 3 1541°C 2830°C 1.36 1.44 Å .75 (+3) Å 2.09 Å 15.0 cm³/mol 6.5614 V 12.80 V 24.76 V 3 3.0 g/cm³ 0.6 J/gK 314.20 kJ/mol 14.10 kJ/mol 0.0177 10^6/cm ohm 0.158 W/cmK 80 10³ MPa 10.0 10^-6 K^-1 3.3091 Å   5.2735 Å SKAN-di-em Latin: Scandia, Scandinavia. Fairly soft, silvery-white metal. Eighth most abundant 'rare earth' found in the earth's crust (5.0 ppm). Lars Nilson 1879 Sweden Occurs mainly in the minerals thortveitile (~34% scandium) and wiikite. Also in some tin and tungsten ores. Pure scandium is obtained as a by-product of uranium refining. Scandium metal is used in some aerospace applications. Scandum oxide (Sc2O3) is used in the manufacture of high-intensity electric lamps. Scandium iodide (ScI3) is used in lamps that produce light having a color closely matching natural sunlight.
Titanium Ti 22 Transition Metal Hexagonal 47.88 2,8,10,2 [Ar] 3d2 4s2 2,3,4 1668°C ±10°C 3287°C 1.54 1.32 Å .61 (+4) Å 2.00 Å 10.64 cm³/mol 6.8282 V 13.58 V 27.491 V (4),3,2 4.50 g/cm³ 0.52 J/gK 421.00 kJ/mol 15.450 kJ/mol 0.0234 10^6/cm ohm 0.219 W/cmK 110 10³ MPa 8.6 10^-6 K^-1 29512 Å   4.6845 Å tie-TAY-ni-em Greek: titanos (Titans). Shiny, dark-gray metal. Ninth most abundant element in the earth's crust (5700 ppm). It can be highly polished, and is relatively immune to tarnishing. William Gregor 1791 England Usually occurs in the minerals ilmenite (FeTiO3) or rutile (TiO2). Also in Titaniferous magnetite, titanite (CaTiSiO5), and iron ores. Pure metal produced by heating TiO2 with C and Cl2 to produce TiCl4 then heated with Mg gas in Ar atmosphere. Since it is strong and resists acids it is used in many alloys. Titanium dioxide (TiO2), a white pigment that covers surfaces very well, is used in paint, rubber, paper and many others.
Vanadium V 23 Transition Metal Cubic: Body centered 50.9415 2,8,11,2 [Ar] 3d3 4s2 2,3,4,5 1890°C ±10°C 3407°C 1.63 1.22 Å .54 (+5) Å 1.92 Å 8.78 cm³/mol 6.7463 V 14.65 V 29.31 V (5),4,3,2 5.8 g/cm³ 0.49 J/gK 0.452 kJ/mol 20.90 kJ/mol 0.0489 10^6/cm ohm 0.307 W/cmK 129 10³ MPa 8.4 10^-6 K^-1 3.0232 Å     veh-NAY-di-em From Scandinavian goddess, Vanadis. Soft, ductile, silvery-white metal. Resistant to corrosion by moisture, air and most acids and alkalis at room temperature. Nils Sefström 1830 Sweden Found in the minerals patronite (VS4), vanadinite [Pb5(VO4)3Cl], and carnotite [K2(UO2)2(VO4)2.3H2O]. Pure metal produced by heating with C and Cl to produce VCl3 which is heated with Mg in Ar atmosphere. It is mixed with other metals to make very strong and durable alloys. Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is used as a catalyst, dye and color-fixer.
Chromium Cr 24 Transition Metal Cubic: Body centered 51.9961 2,8,13,1 [Ar] 3d5 4s1 2,3,6 1857°C 2672°C 1.66 1.18 Å .62 (+3) Å 1.85 Å 7.23 cm³/mol 6.7666 V 16.50 V 30.96 V 6,(3),2 7.19 g/cm³ 0.45 J/gK 344.30 kJ/mol 16.90 kJ/mol 0.0774 10^6/cm ohm 0.937 W/cmK 259 10³ MPa 4.9 10^-6 K^-1 2.8847 Å     KROH-mi-em Greek: chrôma (color). Very hard, crystalline, steel-gray metal. The pure metal has a blue-white color. It is hard, brittle and corrsion-resistant at normal temperatures. Louis Vauquelin 1797 France Chromite [Fe,Mg(CrO4)] is its most important mineral. Produced commercially by heating its ore in the presence of silicon or aluminium. Used to make stainless steel. It gives the color to rubies and emeralds. Iron-nickel-chromium alloys in various percentages yield an incredible variety of the most important metals in modern technology.
Manganese Mn 25 Transition Metal Cubic: Body centered 54.93805 2,8,13,2 [Ar] 3d5 4s2 1,2,3,4,6,7 1244°C 2061°C 1.55 1.17 Å .67 (+2) Å 1.79 Å 7.39 cm³/mol 7.4340 V 15.64 V 33.667 V 7,6,4,(2),3 7.43 g/cm³ 0.48 J/gK 226.0 kJ/mol 12.050 kJ/mol 0.00695 10^6/cm ohm 0.0782 W/cmK 198 10³ MPa 21.7 10^-6 K^-1 8.9142 Å     MAN-ge-nees Latin: magnes (magnet); Italian: manganese. Hard, brittle, gray-white metal with a pinkish tinge. Rusts like iron in moist air. Johann Gahn 1774 Sweden Most abundant ores are pyrolusite (MnO2), psilomelane [(Ba,H2O)2Mn5O10] and rhodochrosite (MnCO3). Pure metal produced by mixing MnO2 with powered Al and ignited in a furnace. Used in steel, batteries and ceramics. The steel in railroad tracks can contain as much as 1.2% manganese. It is crucial to the effectiveness of vitamin B1.
Iron Fe 26 Transition Metal Cubic: Body centered 55.847 2,8,14,2 [Ar] 3d6 4s2 2,3,4,6 1535°C 2861°C 1.83 1.17 Å .55 (+3) Å 1.72 Å 7.1 cm³/mol 7.9024 V 16.18 V 30.651 V 2,(3) 7.86 g/cm³ 0.44 J/gK 349.60 kJ/mol 13.80 kJ/mol 0.0993 10^6/cm ohm 0.802 W/cmK 211 10³ MPa 11.8 10^-6 K^-1 2.8665 Å     EYE-ern Anglo-Saxon: iron; symbol from Latin: ferrum (iron). Malleable, ductile, silvery-white metal. Fourth most abundant element in the earth's crust (56,300 ppm). Ninth most abundant element in the universe. Known to the ancients. Unknown Unknown Obtained from iron ores. Pure metal produced in blast furnaces by layering limestone, coke and iron ore and forcing hot gasses into the bottom. This heats the coke red hot and the iron is reduced from its oxides and liquified where it flows to the bottom Used in steel and other alloys. Essential for humans. It is the chief constituent of hemoglobin which carries oxygen in blood vessels. Its oxides are used in magnetic tapes and disks.
Cobalt Co 27 Transition Metal Hexagonal 58.9332 2,8,15,2 [Ar] 3d7 4s2 2,3 1495°C 2927°C 1.88 1.16 Å .65 (+2) Å 1.67 Å 6.7 cm³/mol 7.8810 V 17.06 V 33.50 V (2),3 8.90 g/cm³ 0.42 J/gK 376.50 kJ/mol 16.190 kJ/mol 0.172 10^6/cm ohm 1.00 W/cmK 208 10³ MPa 13 10^-6 K^-1 2.507 Å   4.070 Å KO-bolt German: kobold (goblin). Hard, ductile, lustrous bluish-gray metal. Exists in the earth's curst in cocentrations of about 25 ppm. It has remarkable magnetic properties. George Brandt 1739 Sweden Occurs in compounds with arsenic, oxygen and sulfur as in cobaltine (CoAsS) and linneite (Co3S4). Pure cobalt is obtained as a byproduct of refining nickel, copper and iron. Used in many hard alloys; for magnets, ceramics and special glasses. Remains hard up to 982°C. Radioactive cobalt-60 is used in cancer therapy.
Nickel Ni 28 Transition Metal Cubic: Face centered 58.6934 2,8,16,2 [Ar] 3d8 4s2 0,1,2,3 1453°C 2913°C 1.91 1.15 Å .69 (+2) Å 1.62 Å 6.59 cm³/mol 7.6398 V 18.168 V 35.17 V (2),3 8.90 g/cm³ 0.44 J/gK 370.40 kJ/mol 17.470 kJ/mol 0.143 10^6/cm ohm 0.907 W/cmK 208 10³ MPa 13.4 10^-6 K^-1 3.5239 Å     NIK-l German: kupfernickel (false copper). Hard, malleable, silvery-white metal. Found in the earth's crust in portions averaging 70 ppm. It can be polished to a lustrous finish. Virtually no corrosion under normal conditions. Axel Cronstedt 1751 Sweden Chiefly found in pentlandite [(Ni,Fe)9S8] ore. The metal is produced by heating the ore in a blast furnace which replaces the sulfur with oxygen. The oxides are then treated with an acid that reacts with the iron not the nickel. Used in electroplating and metal alloys because of its resistance to corrosion. Also in nickel-cadmium batteries; as a catalyst and for coins.
Copper Cu 29 Transition Metal Cubic: Face centered 63.546 2,8,18,1 [Ar] 3d10 4s1 1,2 1083°C 2567°C 1.9 1.17 Å .73 (+2) Å 1.57 Å 7.1 cm³/mol 7.7264 V 20.292 V 36.83 V (2),1 8.96 g/cm³ 0.38 J/gK 300.30 kJ/mol 13.050 kJ/mol 0.596 10^6/cm ohm 4.01 W/cmK 124 10³ MPa 16.5 10^-6 K^-1 3.6148 Å     KOP-er Symbol from Latin: cuprum (island of Cyprus famed for its copper mines). Malleable, ductile, reddish-brown metal. Known to the ancients. Unknown Unknown Pure copper occurs rarely in nature. Usually found in sulfides as in chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), coveline (CuS), chalcosine (Cu2S) or oxides like cuprite (Cu2O). Most often used as an electrical conductor. Also used in the manufacture of water pipes. Its alloys are used in jewelry and for coins.
Zinc Zn 30 Metal Hexagonal 65.39 2,8,18,2 [Ar] 3d10 4s2 2 419.58°C 907°C 1.65 1.25 Å .74 (+2) Å 1.53 Å 9.2 cm³/mol 9.3941 V 17.964 V 39.722 V 2 7.14 g/cm³ 0.39 J/gK 115.30 kJ/mol 7.322 kJ/mol 0.166 10^6/cm ohm 1.16 W/cmK 95 10³ MPa 30.2 10^-6 K^-1 2.6650 Å   4.9470 Å ZINK German: zink (German for tin). Bluish-silver, ductile metal. Known to the ancients. Unknown Germany Found in the minerals zinc blende (sphalerite) (ZnS), calamine, franklinite, smithsonite (ZnCO3), willemite, and zincite (ZnO). Used to coat other metal (galvanizing) to protect them from rusting. Also used in alloys such as brass, bronze, nickel. Also in solder, cosmetics and pigments.
Gallium Ga 31 Metal Orthorhombic 69.723 2,8,18,3 [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p1 2,3 29.78°C 2204°C 1.81 1.26 Å .62 (+3) Å 1.81 Å 11.8 cm³/mol 5.9993 V 20.51 V 30.71 V 3 5.907 g/cm³ 0.37 J/gK 258.70 kJ/mol 5.590 kJ/mol 0.0678 10^6/cm ohm 0.406 W/cmK 11 10³ MPa 19.7 10^-6 K^-1 4.523 Å 7.661 Å 4.524 Å GAL-i-em Latin: Gallia (France). Soft, blue-white metal. Paul Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran 1875 France Found throughout the crust in minerals like bauxite, germanite and coal. Used in semiconductor production. It us used in making LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and GaAs laser diodes.
Germanium Ge 32 Metal Cubic: Face centered 72.61 2,8,18,4 [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2 2,4 937.4°C 2830°C 2.01 1.22 Å .53 (+4) Å 1.52 Å 13.6 cm³/mol 7.900 V 15.934 V 34.22 V (4),2 5.323 g/cm³ 0.32 J/gK 330.90 kJ/mol 36.940 kJ/mol 1.45e-8 10^6/cm ohm 0.599 W/cmK 115 10³ MPa 5.7 10^-6 K^-1 5.677 Å     jer-MAY-ni-em Latin: Germania (Germany). Grayish-white metal. Clemens Winkler 1886 Germany Obtained from refining copper, zinc and lead. Widely used in semiconductors. It is a good semiconductor when combined with tiny amounts of phosphorus, arsenic, gallium, and antimony.
Arsenic As 33 Non-Metal Rhombohedral 74.92159 2,8,18,5 [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p3 -3,0,3,5 817°C @ 28 atmos. Sublimes at 613°C 2.18 1.20 Å .58 (+3) Å 1.33 Å 13.1 cm³/mol 9.8152 V 18.633 V 28.351 V (±3),5 5.72 g/cm³ 0.33 J/gK 34.760 kJ/mol -- 0.0345 10^6/cm ohm 0.500 W/cmK 39 10³ MPa 15.4 10^-6 K^-1 4.1319 Å   a=54° 8' AR-s'n-ik Greek: arsenikon; Latin: arsenicum, (both names for yellow pigment). Steel-gray, brittle semi-metal. Known to the ancients. Unknown Unknown Found in mispickel (arsenopyrite) Many of its compounds are deadly poison and used as weed killer and rat poison. Conducts electricity. Used in semiconductors. Some compounds, called arsenides, are used in the manufacture of paints, wallpapers, and ceramics.
Selenium Se 34 Non-Metal Hexagonal 78.96 2,8,18,6 [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p4 -2,4,6 217°C 684.9°C 2.55 1.16 Å .50 (+4) Å 1.22 Å 16.45 cm³/mol 9.7524 V 21.19 V 30.82 V -2,(4),6 4.79 g/cm³ 0.32 J/gK 37.70 kJ/mol 6.694 kJ/mol 1.0e-12 10^6/cm ohm 0.0204 W/cmK 20 10³ MPa 45.0 10^-6 K^-1 4.3658 Å   4.9592 Å si-LEE-ni-em Greek: selênê (moon). Soft metalloid similar to sulfur. Ranges from gray metallic to red glassy appearance. Jöns Berzelius 1818 Sweden Obtained from lead, copper and nickel refining. Conducts electricity when struck by light. Light causes it to conduct electricity more easily. It is used in photoelectric cells, TV cameras, xerography machines and as a semiconductor in solar batteries and rectifiers. Also colors glass red.
Bromine Br 35 Halogen Orthorhombic 79.904 2,8,18,7 [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p5 1,3,5,7 -7.2°C 58.78°C 2.96 1.14 Å 1.96 (-1) Å 1.12 Å 25.6 cm³/mol 11.8138 V 21.8 V 36.0 V (±1),5 3.119 g/cm³ 0.473 J/gK 15.438 kJ/mol 5.286 kJ/mol -- 0.00122 W/cmK -- -- --     BRO-meen Greek: brômos (stench). Redish-brown liquid. Antoine J. Balard 1826 France Occurs in compounds in sea water. It was once used in large quantities to make a compound that removed lead compound build up in engines burning leaded gasoline. Now it is primarily used in dyes, disinfectants, and photographic chemicals.
Krypton Kr 36 Noble Gas Cubic: Face centered 83.8 2,8,18,8 [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p6 0 -156.6°C -152.3°C 0 1.12 Å -- 1.03 Å 38.9 cm³/mol 13.9996 V 24.359 V 36.95 V 0 0.003708 g/cm³ 0.248 J/gK 9.029 kJ/mol 1.638 kJ/mol -- 0.0000949 W/cmK -- 425 10^-6 K^-1 --     KRIP-ton Greek: kryptos (hidden). Colorless, odorless, tasteless rare noble gas. Sir William Ramsey, M.W. Travers 1898 Great Britain Forms 1 millionth of the atmosphere. Obtained from production of liquid air. Used in lighting products. Some is used as inert filler-gas in incandescent bulbs. Some is mixed with argon in fluorescent lamps. The most important use is in flashing stroboscopic lamps that outline airport runways.
Rubidium Rb 37 Alkali Metal Cubic: Body centered 85.4678 2,8,18,8,1 [Kr] 5s1 1,2,3,4 38.89°C 686°C 0.82 2.16 Å 1.61 (+1) Å 2.98 Å 55.9 cm³/mol 4.1771 V 27.28 V 40.0 V 1 1.53 g/cm³ 0.363 J/gK 72.216 kJ/mol 2.192 kJ/mol 0.0779 10^6/cm ohm 0.582 W/cmK 2.0 10³ MPa 91 10^-6 K^-1 5.70 Å     roo-BID-i-em Latin: rubidus (deep red); the color its salts impart to flames. Soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal. R. Bunsen, G. Kirchoff 1861 Germany Occurs abundantly, but so widespread that production is limited. Usually obtained from lithium production. Used as a catalyst, photocells, and vacuum and cathode-ray tubes.
Strontium Sr 38 Alkali Earth Metal Cubic: Face centered 87.62 2,8,18,8,2 [Kr] 5s2 2 769°C 1384°C 0.95 1.91 Å 1.26 (+2) Å 2.45 Å 33.7 cm³/mol 5.6948 V 11.03 V 43.60 V 2 2.6 g/cm³ 0.30 J/gK 144.0 kJ/mol 8.30 kJ/mol 0.0762 10^6/cm ohm 0.353 W/cmK 15 10³ MPa 22.5 10^-6 K^-1 6.0851 Å     STRON-she-em From the Scottish town, Strontian. Soft, malleable, silvery-yellow metal. A. Crawford 1790 Scotland Found in minerals celestite and strontianite. Used in flares and fireworks for crimson color. Strontium-90 is a long lived highly radioactive fallout product of atomic-bomb explosions.
Yttrium Y 39 Transition Metal Hexagonal 88.90585 2,8,18,9,2 [Kr] 4d1 5s2 3 1522°C ±8°C 3338°C 1.22 1.62 Å 1.02 (+3) Å 2.27 Å 19.8 cm³/mol 6.217 V 12.24 V 20.52 V 3 4.47 g/cm³ 0.30 J/gK 363.0 kJ/mol 11.40 kJ/mol 0.0166 10^6/cm ohm 0.172 W/cmK 64.4 10³ MPa 11.3 10^-6 K^-1 3.6475 Å   5.7308 Å IT-ri-em From the Swedish village, Ytterby, where one of its minerals was first found. Silvery, ductile, fairly reactive metal. Johann Gadolin 1789 Finland Found in minerals such as monazite, xenotime, and yttria. Combined with europium to make red phosphors for color TV's. Yttrium oxide and iron oxide combine to form a crystal garnet used in radar.
Zirconium Zr 40 Transition Metal Hexagonal 91.224 2,8,18,10,2 [Kr] 4d2 5s2 2,3,4 1852°C ±2°C 4377°C 1.33 1.45 Å .84 (+4) Å 2.16 Å 14.1 cm³/mol 6.6339 V 13.13 V 22.99 V 4 6.4 g/cm³ 0.27 J/gK 58.20 kJ/mol 16.90 kJ/mol 0.0236 10^6/cm ohm 0.227 W/cmK 94 10³ MPa 5.7 10^-6 K^-1 3.2313 Å   5.1479 Å zer-KO-ni-em From the mineral, zircon. Gray-white, lustrous, corrosion-resistant metal. Martin Klaproth 1789 Germany Found in many minerals such as zircon and baddeleyite. Used in alloys such as zircaloy which is used in nuclear applications since it does not readily absorb neutrons. Also baddeleyite is used in lab crucibles. Used in high-performance pumps and valves. Clear zircon (ZrSiO4) is a popular gemstone.
Niobium Nb 41 Transition Metal Cubic: Body centered 92.90638 2,8,18,12,1 [Kr] 4d4 5s1 2,3,5 2468°C ±10°C 4742°C 1.6 1.34 Å .64 (+5) Å 2.08 Å 10.87 cm³/mol 6.7589 V 14.32 V 25.04 V (5),3 8.57 g/cm³ 0.26 J/gK 682.0 kJ/mol 26.40 kJ/mol 0.0693 10^6/cm ohm 0.537 W/cmK 104 10³ MPa 7.3 10^-6 K^-1 3.3067 Å     ni-OH-bee-em From Niobe; daughter of the mythical Greek king Tantalus. Shiny white, soft, ductile metal. Charles Hatchet 1801 England Occurs in a mineral columbite. Formerly known as colombium (Cb). It is used in stainless steel alloys for nuclear reactors, jets and missiles. Used as an alloy with iron and nickel. It can be used in nuclear reactors and is known to be superconductive when alloyed with tin, aluminum or zirconium.
Molybdenum Mo 42 Transition Metal Cubic: Body centered 95.94 2,8,18,13,1 [Kr] 4d5 5s1 2,3,6 2617°C 4612°C 2.16 1.30 Å .59 (+6) Å 2.01 Å 9.4 cm³/mol 7.0924 V 16.461 V 27.16 V (6),5,4,3,2 10.2 g/cm³ 0.25 J/gK 598.0 kJ/mol 32.0 kJ/mol 0.187 10^6/cm ohm 1.38 W/cmK 322 10³ MPa 4.8 10^-6 K^-1 3.1469 Å     meh-LIB-deh-nem Greek: molybdos (lead). Hard, silvery-white metal. Carl Wilhelm Scheele 1778 Sweden Found in the minerals molybdenite (MoS2) and wulfenite (MoO4Pb). Its alloys are used in aircraft, missiles, and protective coatings in boiler plate.
Technetium Tc 43 Transition Metal Hexagonal -97.9072 2,8,18,13,2 [Kr] 4d5 5s2 0,2,4,5,6,7 2172°C 4877°C 1.9 1.27 Å -- 1.95 Å 8.5 cm³/mol 7.28 V 15.26 V 29.54 V (7),6,4 11.5 g/cm³ 0.21 J/gK 660.0 kJ/mol 24.0 kJ/mol 0.067 10^6/cm ohm 0.506 W/cmK 380 10³ MPa 8 10^-6 K^-1 2.735 Å   4.388 Å tek-NEE-shi-em Greek: technêtos (artificial). Silvery-gray metal. First synthetically produced element. Carlo Perrier, Émillo Segrè 1937 Italy Made first by bombarding molybdenum with deuterons (heavy hydrogen) in a cyclotron. Added to iron in quantities as low as 55 part-per-million transforms the iron into a corrosion-resistant alloy.
Ruthenium Ru 44 Transition Metal Hexagonal 101.07 2,8,18,15,1 [Kr] 4d7 5s1 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 2334°C 4150°C 2.2 1.25 Å .62 (+4) Å 1.89 Å 8.3 cm³/mol 7.3605 V 16.76 V 28.47 V 2,(3,4),6,8 12.2 g/cm³ 0.238 J/gK 595.0 kJ/mol 24.0 kJ/mol 0.137 10^6/cm ohm 1.17 W/cmK 430 10³ MPa 6.4 10^-6 K^-1 2.7059 Å   4.2818 Å roo-THE-ni-em Latin: Ruthenia (Russia). Rare, extremely brittle, silver-gray metal. Karl Klaus 1844 Russia Found in pentlandite and pyroxinite. Used to harden platinum and palladium. Aircraft magnetos use platinum alloy with 10% ruthenium.
Rhodium Rh 45 Transition Metal Cubic: Face centered 102.9055 2,8,18,16,1 [Kr] 4d8 5s1 2,3,4,5,6 1966°C ±3°C 3695°C 2.28 1.25 Å .67 (+3) Å 1.83 Å 8.3 cm³/mol 7.4589 V 18.08 V 31.06 V 2,(3),4 12.4 g/cm³ 0.242 J/gK 493.0 kJ/mol 21.50 kJ/mol 0.211 10^6/cm ohm 1.50 W/cmK 330 10³ MPa 8.2 10^-6 K^-1 3.8045 Å     RO-di-em Greek: rhodon (rose). Its salts give a rosy solution. Hard, silvery-white metal William Wollaston 1803 England Obtained as a by-product of nickel production. Used as a coating to prevent wear on high quality science equipment and with platinum to make thermocouples.
Palladium Pd 46 Transition Metal Cubic: Face centered 106.42 2,8,18,18 [Kr] 4d10 2,3,4 1552°C 2940°C 2.2 1.28 Å .64 (+2) Å 1.79 Å 8.9 cm³/mol 8.3369 V 19.63 V 32.93 V (2),4 12.02 g/cm³ 0.24 J/gK 357.0 kJ/mol 17.60 kJ/mol 0.0950 10^6/cm ohm 0.718 W/cmK 127 10³ MPa 11.8 10^-6 K^-1 3.8908 Å     peh-LAY-di-em Named after the asteroid, Pallas, discovered in 1803. Soft, malleable, ductile, silvery-white metal. William Wollaston 1803 England Obtained with platinum, nickel, copper and mercury ores. Used as a substitue for silver in dental items and jewelry. The pure metal is used as the delicate mainsprings in analog wristwatches. Also used in surgical instruments and as catalyst .
Silver Ag 47 Transition Metal Cubic: Face centered 107.8682 2,8,18,18,1 [Kr] 4d10 5s1 1,2 961.93°C 2162°C 1.93 1.34 Å 1.15 (+1) Å 1.75 Å 10.3 cm³/mol 7.5762 V 21.49 V 34.83 V 1 10.5 g/cm³ 0.235 J/gK 250.580 kJ/mol 11.30 kJ/mol 0.630 10^6/cm ohm 4.29 W/cmK 80 10³ MPa 18.9 10^-6 K^-1 4.0863 Å     SIL-ver Anglo-Saxon: siolful, (silver); symbol from Latin: argentium. Silvery-ductile, and malleable metal Known to the ancients. Unknown Unknown Found in ores called argentite (AgS), light ruby silver (Ag3AsS3), dark ruby silver(Ag3SbS3) and brittle silver. Used in alloys for jewelry and in other compounds for photography. It is also a good conductor, but expensive.
Cadmium Cd 48 Metal Hexagonal 112.411 2,8,18,18,2 [Kr] 4d10 5s2 2 320.9°C 765°C 1.69 1.48 Å .95 (+2) Å 1.71 Å 13.1 cm³/mol 8.9937 V 16.908 V 37.48 V 2 8.65 g/cm³ 0.23 J/gK 99.570 kJ/mol 6.192 kJ/mol 0.138 10^6/cm ohm 0.968 W/cmK 62 10³ MPa 30.8 10^-6 K^-1 2.9789 Å   5.6169 Å KAD-me-em Greek: kadmeia (ancient name for calamine (zinc oxide)). Soft, malleable, blue-white metal. Fredrich Stromeyer 1817 Germany Obtained as a by product of zinc refining. Used in nickel-cadmium batteries. Also in electroplating steel and in the manufacture of berings. Its compounds are found in paint pigments and a wide variety of intense colors. Boiling cadmium gives off a weird, yellow-colored vapor that is poisonous.
Indium In 49 Metal Tetragonal 114.818 2,8,18,18,3 [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p1 1,2,3 156.61°C 2080°C 1.78 1.44 Å .80 (+3) Å 2.00 Å 15.7 cm³/mol 5.7864 V 18.869 V