Zr

    Zirconium

    Transition Metal

    Atomic Number: 40 • Atomic Mass: 91.2240 u • Period: 5 • Group: 4

    Electron Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d²
    Phase: Solid
    Electronegativity: 1.33

    Physical & Chemical Properties

    Physical Properties

    • Silvery-white, strong transition metal
    • Resembles titanium physically and chemically
    • Excellent corrosion resistance
    • Low thermal neutron absorption cross-section
    • High melting point (2128 K or 1855°C)
    Melting Point

    2128 K (1854.85 °C, 3370.73 °F)

    Boiling Point

    4682 K (4408.85 °C, 7967.93 °F)

    Density

    6.506 g/cm³

    Electronegativity

    1.33 (Pauling scale)

    Chemical Properties

    • Forms protective oxide layer in air
    • Main oxidation state is +4
    • Very resistant to corrosion by acids, alkalis, and seawater
    • Burns in air when finely divided
    • Forms numerous organometallic compounds

    Electron Configuration

    1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d²

    Electron configuration describes how electrons are distributed in atomic orbitals, showing how they are arranged in energy levels and subshells.