Sc
Scandium is a rare transition metal used to strengthen aluminum alloys.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 44.956 u |
| Density | 2.989 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1814.0 K |
| Boiling Point | 3109.0 K |
| Appearance | Silvery-white metallic |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 1.36 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 633.1 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | 18.1 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | +1, +2, +3 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [Ar] 3d1 4s2 |
| Atomic Radius | 162.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 170.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 211.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Lars Fredrik Nilson |
| Discovery Year | 1879 |
| Location | Uppsala, Sweden |
| Named After | Latin 'Scandia' meaning Scandinavia |
About Scandium
Scandium is a soft, silvery-white transition metal often classified as a rare earth element. It develops a yellowish tinge when oxidized. Scandium is common in stars but rare on Earth in concentrated deposits.
Uses & Applications
Aluminum-scandium alloys for aerospace, sports equipment, and high-intensity metal halide lamps.
Fun Fact
Scandium is so dispersed in Earth's crust that concentrated deposits are rare, making it more expensive than most rare earth elements.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 45 | 1.0% | - | Yes |
Electron Configuration
[Ar] 3d1 4s2