Mendeleev
Periodic table · chemistry · physics
Element story

Indium

Atomic number 49 means that every Indium nucleus contains 49 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Indium.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 49 means that every Indium nucleus contains 49 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Indium.

Indium (In) is chemical element 49. It belongs to the post-transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

In practice, it turns up most often in touch screens, semiconductors and alloys.

See the atom

Conceptual visual: electron shells are a learning aid, not a literal picture of quantum orbitals.

What this number means

Atomic number 49 means that every Indium nucleus contains 49 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Indium.

Keep exploring

→ Indium · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

49InIndium
Indium · In · Z = 49

Indium (In) is chemical element 49. It belongs to the post-transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Understanding the element

Indium (In) is chemical element 49. It belongs to the post-transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Where do we encounter it?

In practice, it turns up most often in touch screens, semiconductors and alloys.

What its position in the table tells us

Indium sits in period 5, group 13 and the P block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.