Vanadium (symbol V, atomic number 23) is a transition metal that hardens steel and powers grid-scale flow batteries. It is classified as a transition metal and sits in group 5, period 4 of the periodic table.
Overview
Vanadium is the chemical element with atomic number 23 and the symbol V. With a standard atomic weight of 50.942, it is a transition metal. In the periodic table it occupies group 5 and period 4, and under standard conditions it is normally a solid. Vanadium is a transition metal that hardens steel and powers grid-scale flow batteries.
Atomic structure
An atom of Vanadium has 23 protons in its nucleus and, when neutral, 23 electrons arranged in the configuration [Ar] 3d3 4s2. Its standard atomic weight of 50.942 reflects the natural mix of its stable isotopes.
Discovery and place in the table
Vanadium was discovered in 1801 by Andrés Manuel del Río. It follows Titanium (Ti) and precedes Chromium (Cr) in order of atomic number.
| Atomic number | 23 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | V |
| Atomic mass | 50.942 |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Group | 5 |
| Period | 4 |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d3 4s2 |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Discovered | 1801 (Andrés Manuel del Río) |