Cadmium is a toxic, soft metal whose industrial use is increasingly controlled because it persists and accumulates in organisms.
Atomic number
48
Category
Transition metal
Period
5
Group
12
State
Solid
Fun facts about Cadmium
Cadmium commonly occurs as a by-product of zinc refining.
Nickel-cadmium batteries are rechargeable but require careful recycling.
Cadmium pigments can provide vivid yellow and red colours.
Common uses of Cadmium
Nickel-cadmium batteries
Specialised pigments
Historical corrosion-resistant plating
Where Cadmium sits in the periodic table
Cadmium is classified as a transition metal in period 5 and group 12 of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol Cd with atomic number 48 and the listed atomic mass 112.41. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.