Periodic table group
Group 12
Group 12 is a vertical column of the periodic table containing Zinc, Cadmium, Mercury, Copernicium. Elements in the same group have the same number of valence electrons, which is why they show related chemical behavior. Zinc, cadmium and mercury close the d-block with filled d subshells, so they behave more like main-group metals. Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature.
At a glance
- Elements
- 4
- Atomic numbers
- 30 to 112
- Block
- d-block
- Periods
- 4, 5, 6, 7
- Phase at STP
- solid (2), liquid (1)
Shared properties
- Same valence electron count, so members react in related ways
- Atomic radius increases down the group as electron shells are added
- First ionization energy generally decreases down the group
The 4 elements
Frequently asked questions
What elements are in group 12?
Group 12 contains 4 elements: Zinc, Cadmium, Mercury, Copernicium.
What properties do group 12 elements share?
Elements in group 12 have the same number of valence electrons, so they react in related ways. Atomic radius increases down the group as electron shells are added, and first ionization energy generally decreases down the group. Zinc, cadmium and mercury close the d-block with filled d subshells, so they behave more like main-group metals. Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature.