Density
8.65 g/cm³ (at 20 °C)
Discovery
Cadmium was discovered in 1817 by Friedrich Stromeyer and independently by Karl Samuel Leberecht Hermann.
Common Uses
-
Used in rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries.
-
Used in pigments, especially yellow, orange, and red colors.
-
Used in electroplating to protect other metals from corrosion.
-
Used in control rods in nuclear reactors due to its ability to absorb neutrons.
-
Used in some low-melting alloys.
Interesting Facts
-
Cadmium and its compounds are toxic and are considered environmental pollutants.
-
Pure cadmium is a soft, bluish-white metal that is easily cut with a knife.
-
It is often found in zinc ores.
-
Cadmium sulfide (CdS) is a semiconductor used in some solar cells and light detectors.
Back to Periodic Table