Element 83 · Post-transition metal
Bismuth (Bi) — Element 83
German Wismuth
Bismuth (Bi) is a post-transition metal in Period 6, Group 15 of the periodic table with atomic number 83, standard atomic weight 208.98 u, and ground-state electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³. At standard temperature and pressure it is classified as a solid with 5 valence electrons and common oxidation states +3, +5.
Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, alloys
What are the atomic properties and physical constants of Bismuth?
Reference constants compiled from IUPAC standard atomic weights, the NIST Atomic Spectra Database, and the CRC Handbook.
- Atomic number (Z)
- 83
- Standard atomic mass
- 208.98 u
- Chemical family
- Post-transition metal
- Ground-state configuration
- [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 5
- Valence electrons
- 5
- Common ion charges / oxidation states
- +3, +5
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Pauling electronegativity
- 2.02 Pauling
- First ionization energy
- 703 kJ/mol
- Atomic radius
- 143 pm
- Melting point
- 271 °C
- Boiling point
- 1,564 °C
- Discovery year
- 1753
- Table coordinate
- Period 6, Group 15
- Radioactivity
- Has stable isotope(s)
How are electrons arranged across Bismuth’s shells?
A neutral Bismuth atom contains 83 electrons distributed across 6 occupied principal energy shells ([Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³). The table below compares Bismuth’s shell occupancy against each shell’s theoretical 2n² capacity.
| Principal Shell (n) | Spectroscopic Letter | Electrons in Bi | Max Shell Capacity (2n²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| n = 1 | K | 2 e⁻ | 2 e⁻ |
| n = 2 | L | 8 e⁻ | 8 e⁻ |
| n = 3 | M | 18 e⁻ | 18 e⁻ |
| n = 4 | N | 32 e⁻ | 32 e⁻ |
| n = 5 | O | 18 e⁻ | 50 e⁻ |
| n = 6 | P | 5 e⁻ | 72 e⁻ |
Frequently Asked Questions about Bismuth (Bi)
What is the atomic mass and atomic number of Bismuth (Bi)?
Bismuth (Bi) has atomic number Z = 83 (83 protons in its nucleus) and an IUPAC standard atomic weight of 208.98 u. It sits in Period 6, Group 15 and is classified as a post-transition metal.
What is the ground-state electron configuration of Bismuth?
The neutral ground-state electron configuration of Bismuth (Z = 83) is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³. Across its 6 occupied principal shells (n = 1 to n = 6), the electrons per shell are 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 5, with 5 valence electrons participating in bonding.
What are the common ion charges and electronegativity of Bismuth?
Bismuth commonly forms +3, +5 oxidation states or ion charges in compounds. Its Pauling electronegativity is 2.02 and its first ionization energy is 703 kJ/mol.
When was Bismuth discovered and what is it used for?
Bismuth was discovered in 1753 (German Wismuth). Cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, alloys
How does Bismuth compare to neighboring elements?
Other post-transition metal elements: