49In114.82
Indium
Post-transition metalsSofter metals with lower melting points, often used in alloys and solders.
[Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p¹
- Atomic number
- 49
- Atomic mass
- 114.82
- Protons
- 49
- Neutrons
- 66 (most common)
- Electrons
- 49
- Shells
- 2, 8, 18, 18, 3
- State at 25 °C
- Solid
- Position
- Group 13, period 5
Proton (+)Neutron (0)Electron (−)
Discovered byFerdinand Reich and Theodor Richter, 1863Ferdinand Reich and Theodor Richter: 1 element
They spotted a bright indigo line in the light from a zinc ore, which gave the element its name.
Did you know?
- It is soft enough to scratch with a fingernail.
- Almost every phone screen contains a thin indium coating.
Where it's found
- Zinc ores
What it's used for
- Touchscreens (indium tin oxide)
- Solders
Try it
There's no safe home experiment for Indium. Explore it with the animated atom above instead.