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Element story

Zirconium

Atomic number 40 means that every Zirconium nucleus contains 40 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Zirconium.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 40 means that every Zirconium nucleus contains 40 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Zirconium.

Zirconium (Zr) is chemical element 40. 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 nuclear reactors, ceramics 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 40 means that every Zirconium nucleus contains 40 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Zirconium.

Keep exploring

→ Zirconium · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

40ZrZirconium
Zirconium · Zr · Z = 40

Zirconium (Zr) is chemical element 40. 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

Zirconium (Zr) is chemical element 40. 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 nuclear reactors, ceramics and alloys.

What its position in the table tells us

Zirconium sits in period 5, group 4 and the D block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.