24CrChromium51.99616[Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹
transition metal

Chromium

Chromium is a chemical element with symbol Cr and atomic number 24. It is the first element in Group 6. It is a steely-gray, lustrous, hard and brittle metal which takes a high polish, resists tarnishing, and has a high melting point.

Electronic structure

A stylized shell model. Electrons are quantum objects, not particles following these literal paths. Sizes and motion are illustrative.

Electrons by shell
Electron configuration
3d5
4s1

18 is the [Ar] core total across three shells.

Properties

At a glance

Atomic number
24
Atomic mass
51.99616 u
Phase
Solid
Density
7.19 g/cm³
Melting point
2,180 K
Boiling point
2,944 K
First ionization energy
652.9 kJ/mol
Electronegativity
1.66
Electron affinity
65.21 kJ/mol
Molar heat capacity
23.35 J/(mol·K)
Period
4
Appearance
silvery metallic

Conditions and isotopes affect measured properties. Some properties of short-lived elements are predicted. Electronegativity uses the Pauling scale.

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