Mendeleev
Periodic table · chemistry · physics
Element story

Scandium

Atomic number 21 means that every Scandium nucleus contains 21 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Scandium.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 21 means that every Scandium nucleus contains 21 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Scandium.

Scandium (Sc) is chemical element 21. It belongs to the 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 alloys, lighting and scientific research.

See the atom

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

What this number means

Atomic number 21 means that every Scandium nucleus contains 21 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Scandium.

Keep exploring

→ Scandium · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

21ScScandium
Scandium · Sc · Z = 21

Scandium (Sc) is chemical element 21. It belongs to the 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

Scandium (Sc) is chemical element 21. It belongs to the 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 alloys, lighting and scientific research.

What its position in the table tells us

Scandium sits in period 4, group 3 and the D block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.