Scandium (Sc): electron configuration, atomic mass and facts
Scandium (Sc) is element 21 of the periodic table, a transition metal in period 4, group 3. Its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d1 4s2, with electrons arranged in shells 2, 8, 9, 2, and its standard atomic weight is 44.956 u.
▶ Watch Scandium’s electrons orbit in the interactive periodic tableScandium at a glance
| Symbol | Sc |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 21 |
| Atomic mass | 44.956 u |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Group | 3 |
| Period | 4 |
| Block | d-block |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d1 4s2 |
| Noble-gas shorthand | [Ar] 3d1 4s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 9, 2 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.36 |
| State at 20 °C | solid |
Where is Scandium on the periodic table?
Scandium is in period 4, group 3, in the d-block. The period number matches its 4 electron shells, and the block names the subshell its last electrons fill. In the same group, Yttrium sits directly below it. Elements in the same column of the d-block often have similar chemistry.
How to work out the electron configuration of Scandium
Put 21 electrons into subshells in order of rising energy, filling each before starting the next: 1s² (2), 2s² (4), 2p⁶ (10), 3s² (12), 3p⁶ (18), 4s² (20), 3d¹ (21). In shorthand, [Ar] stands for the 18 electrons of argon, giving [Ar] 3d¹ 4s².
How electronegative is Scandium?
Scandium has a Pauling electronegativity of 1.36, ranking 58 of the 100 elements with a known value (fluorine is highest at 3.98). That is low: it tends to give up electrons and form positive ions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of Scandium?
The electron configuration of Scandium (Sc) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d1 4s2. In noble-gas shorthand it is written [Ar] 3d1 4s2.
How many electrons does Scandium have in each shell?
Scandium has 21 electrons arranged in shells as 2, 8, 9, 2.
What is the atomic mass of Scandium?
The standard atomic weight of Scandium is 44.956 u, so one mole of Scandium atoms has a mass of about 44.956 g.
Is Scandium a metal?
Yes. Scandium is a transition metal.
Explore nearby elements
More transition metals: Titanium, Vanadium, Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Cobalt. See all elements on the periodic table.