Mendeleev
Periodic table · chemistry · physics
Element story

Strontium

Atomic number 38 means that every Strontium nucleus contains 38 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Strontium.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 38 means that every Strontium nucleus contains 38 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Strontium.

Strontium (Sr) is chemical element 38. It belongs to the alkaline-earth 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 fireworks, magnets and medical applications.

See the atom

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

What this number means

Atomic number 38 means that every Strontium nucleus contains 38 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Strontium.

Keep exploring

→ Strontium · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

38SrStrontium
Strontium · Sr · Z = 38

Strontium (Sr) is chemical element 38. It belongs to the alkaline-earth 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

Strontium (Sr) is chemical element 38. It belongs to the alkaline-earth 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 fireworks, magnets and medical applications.

What its position in the table tells us

Strontium sits in period 5, group 2 and the S block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.