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Chromium (Cr)
Element with atomic number 24, category: Transition metal, a solid at room temperature.
Element 24 of 118
Transition metal
Chromium
Group 6, Period 4
Common Uses
Stainless steel, chrome plating
Electron Diagram
About Chromium
Chromium is a chemical element with the symbol Cr and atomic number 24, meaning every atom has 24 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Transition metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 51.996 atomic mass units (u).
On the periodic table, Chromium sits in group 6, period 4, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.
Uses of Chromium
In daily life and industry, Chromium is used for Stainless steel, chrome plating. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Transition metal category.
Electron Structure of Chromium
Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Chromium has 3 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 14 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.
Explore Other Elements
Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.