Cadmium

Cadmium, element #48, has an atomic mass of 112.41 amu, a density of 8.65 g/cm cubed, and electron levels of 2-8-18-18-2. It is a member of group 2B and has a valence of +2. Cd was discovered in 1817 by Friedrich Stromeyer of Germany. Cd melts at 321.11 degrees C, and boils at 766.85 degrees C. Cd is highly poisonous, and is used in galvanizing steel. Cd is useful in Ni-Cd and Ag-Cd batteries. It is also used in nuclear reactors because of its ability to absorb neutrons. Cd's compounds are also toxic, and cadmium acetate is carcinogenic. Cd has been known to cause lung damage, death, kidney damage, emphysema, anemia, loss of smell, nausea, salivation, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. (sounds like a typical day of PMS) Cd is a bluish metal or a grayish powder. It is used in electroplating metals, and as a catalyst.

June 20, 1997

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