Is strontium a metal?

Yes. Strontium is a metal, classified as an alkaline earth metal on the periodic table.

How many protons does strontium have?

Strontium has 38 protons. Its atomic number is 38, which is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom of strontium.

What group and period is strontium in?

Strontium is in group 2 and period 5 of the periodic table, in the s-block.

What is the atomic mass of strontium?

The atomic mass of strontium is 87.62 u (unified atomic mass units).

Element 38

Strontium (Sr)

Alkaline earth metal · Period 5 · Group 2 · s-block

Strontium (Sr) is element 38 of the periodic table, an alkaline earth metal in period 5, group 2 (s-block) with an atomic mass of 87.62 and is a solid at standard conditions.

At a glance

Atomic number: 38
Symbol: Sr
Atomic mass: 87.62 u
Category: Alkaline earth metals
Period: 5
Group: 2
Block: s-block
Phase at STP: solid

Electron structure

Electron configuration: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 5s2
Shorthand configuration: [Kr] 5s2
Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 18, 8, 2
Oxidation states: +1, +2

Physical properties

Melting point: 1,050 K (776.85 °C)
Boiling point: 1,655 K (1,381.85 °C)
Density: 2.64 g/cm³
Phase: solid

Atomic properties

Electronegativity (Pauling): 0.95
Atomic radius: 219 pm
Covalent radius: 195 pm
Van der Waals radius: 249 pm
First ionization energy: 550 kJ/mol
Electron affinity: 5 kJ/mol

Notable isotopes

Notable isotopes of Strontium: mass number, atomic mass, natural abundance, and stability.
Isotope	Mass	Abundance	Stability
Sr-88	87.90561	82.58%	Stable

Common uses

Fireworks
Ferrite magnets
Toothpaste
Glow-in-dark paints

Discovery

Year: 1790
Discovered by: Adair Crawford
Country: Scotland

Frequently asked questions

Is strontium a metal?: Yes. Strontium is a metal, classified as an alkaline earth metal on the periodic table.
How many protons does strontium have?: Strontium has 38 protons. Its atomic number is 38, which is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom of strontium.
What group and period is strontium in?: Strontium is in group 2 and period 5 of the periodic table, in the s-block.
What is the atomic mass of strontium?: The atomic mass of strontium is 87.62 u (unified atomic mass units).

Keep exploring

Strontium's row is on the printable element property sheet, and its tile is on the periodic table wall chart - the same numbers as above, laid out for A4 or A3 paper.