Zirconium (Zr)

About Zirconium

Zirconium is a chemical element with the symbol Zr and atomic number 40, meaning every atom has 40 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Transition metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 91.224 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Zirconium sits in group 4, period 5, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Zirconium

In daily life and industry, Zirconium is used for Nuclear reactors, imitation jewellery. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Transition metal category.

Electron Structure of Zirconium

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), Zirconium has 4 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 12 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.

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