Group 12 element

A chemical element in periodic-table group 12: zinc, cadmium, mercury, or copernicium. These elements have filled d subshells and two outer s electrons, though their chemistry varies markedly.

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Periodic table: A tabular arrangement of chemical elements ordered by atomic number and recurring chemical properties. Group 12 is one vertical column in this arrangement.
Galvanization: The application of a protective zinc coating to iron or steel to prevent corrosion. Zinc’s sacrificial oxidation protects steel in buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure.
Zinc: A bluish-white metal with atomic number 30, widely used for corrosion protection and alloys. Zinc is the lightest and most abundant naturally occurring member of group 12.
Heavy metal (chemistry): A loosely defined category of dense metallic elements, often discussed for toxicity or environmental persistence. Group 12 members are often treated as heavy metals, though the category has no single rigorous definition.
Transition metal: An element whose atom has an incomplete d subshell or that forms cations with an incomplete d subshell. Zinc, cadmium, and mercury sit in the d-block, though they do not fit every definition of transition metal.
Brass: A copper–zinc alloy used for its workability, corrosion resistance, and distinctive appearance. Zinc’s major alloying role gives group 12 a familiar place in everyday materials.
Cadmium: A soft, toxic metal with atomic number 48, used in some batteries, pigments, and coatings. Cadmium resembles zinc chemically but carries substantially greater toxicity.
Cadmium poisoning: Illness caused by harmful exposure to cadmium, which can damage the kidneys, lungs, and bones. Cadmium’s toxicity has shaped restrictions on its use in products and industrial processes.
Electron configuration: The distribution of an atom’s electrons among orbitals and energy levels. The filled d subshell and outer s electrons distinguish the group’s ground-state configurations.
Nickel–cadmium battery: A rechargeable battery that uses cadmium at its negative electrode and nickel oxyhydroxide at its positive electrode. It is a prominent application of cadmium, now restricted in many markets because of toxicity.