Elements·Scandium
21
Sc
Scandium
44.956

Scandium

Transition metal

Scandium is element 21, symbol Sc. It sits in period 4, group 3, and weighs 44.956.

Metals filling an inner shell as they go, giving several oxidation states and colour.

Atomic number
21
Atomic weight
44.956
Period
Period 4
Group
Group 3
Block
d block
Electron configuration
[Ar] 4s2 3d1
Neutrons
24

The periodic table

Rows are periods, columns are groups. Tap any square to open that element.

Others in the same group

Neighbours by number

How to read this

  • A row (period) is the number of electron shells. Elements in period 3 carry three of them.
  • A column (group) tells you how many electrons sit in the outer shell — which is why a group behaves alike.
  • Atomic weight runs at roughly twice the atomic number: about as many neutrons as protons.
  • The 28 lanthanides and actinides are drawn below the table. Slotting them in would stretch it to 32 columns.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What are Scandium's number and symbol?

Element 21, symbol Sc, atomic weight 44.956.

Q. Where does it sit in the table?

Period 4, group 3 — a transition metal.

Q. What is its electron configuration?

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d1, or [Ar] 4s2 3d1 for short.

Q. How many neutrons does it have?

Rounding the atomic weight and subtracting the atomic number gives 24. The exact count depends on the isotope.