Cadmium Facts
Chemical Symbol Cd
Atomic number 48
Atomic weight 112.41
Silvery bluish-gray metal
Cadmium is classified as a transition metal.
The chemical symbol for cadmium is Cd, which derived from the Latin word "cadmia", meaning calamine.
Cadmium has very low friction, so it is used to coat bearings.
Cadmium is mostly found in zinc ores.
Cadmium can be electroplated to other materials to protect them from corrosion.
Cadmium is also used in rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries.
Cadmium melts at 320°C. As it has very low melting point for a metal, it used in solders to join electrical components, pipes and other metallic items.
Cadmium based solders must be handled with care to prevent cadmium poisoning.
Exposure to high levels of cadmium will result in harmful health effects.