Element 28 · Transition metal
Nickel (Ni) — Element 28
German Kupfernickel
Nickel (Ni) is a transition metal in Period 4, Group 10 of the periodic table with atomic number 28, standard atomic weight 58.693 u, and ground-state electron configuration [Ar] 3d⁸ 4s². At standard temperature and pressure it is classified as a solid with 10 valence electrons and common oxidation states +2, +3.
Stainless steel, coins, batteries
What are the atomic properties and physical constants of Nickel?
Reference constants compiled from IUPAC standard atomic weights, the NIST Atomic Spectra Database, and the CRC Handbook.
- Atomic number (Z)
- 28
- Standard atomic mass
- 58.693 u
- Chemical family
- Transition metal
- Ground-state configuration
- [Ar] 3d⁸ 4s²
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 16, 2
- Valence electrons
- 10
- Common ion charges / oxidation states
- +2, +3
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Pauling electronegativity
- 1.91 Pauling
- First ionization energy
- 737 kJ/mol
- Atomic radius
- 149 pm
- Melting point
- 1,455 °C
- Boiling point
- 2,913 °C
- Discovery year
- 1751
- Table coordinate
- Period 4, Group 10
- Radioactivity
- Has stable isotope(s)
How are electrons arranged across Nickel’s shells?
A neutral Nickel atom contains 28 electrons distributed across 4 occupied principal energy shells ([Ar] 3d⁸ 4s²). The table below compares Nickel’s shell occupancy against each shell’s theoretical 2n² capacity.
| Principal Shell (n) | Spectroscopic Letter | Electrons in Ni | Max Shell Capacity (2n²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| n = 1 | K | 2 e⁻ | 2 e⁻ |
| n = 2 | L | 8 e⁻ | 8 e⁻ |
| n = 3 | M | 16 e⁻ | 18 e⁻ |
| n = 4 | N | 2 e⁻ | 32 e⁻ |
Frequently Asked Questions about Nickel (Ni)
What is the atomic mass and atomic number of Nickel (Ni)?
Nickel (Ni) has atomic number Z = 28 (28 protons in its nucleus) and an IUPAC standard atomic weight of 58.693 u. It sits in Period 4, Group 10 and is classified as a transition metal.
What is the ground-state electron configuration of Nickel?
The neutral ground-state electron configuration of Nickel (Z = 28) is [Ar] 3d⁸ 4s². Across its 4 occupied principal shells (n = 1 to n = 4), the electrons per shell are 2, 8, 16, 2, with 10 valence electrons participating in bonding.
What are the common ion charges and electronegativity of Nickel?
Nickel commonly forms +2, +3 oxidation states or ion charges in compounds. Its Pauling electronegativity is 1.91 and its first ionization energy is 737 kJ/mol.
When was Nickel discovered and what is it used for?
Nickel was discovered in 1751 (German Kupfernickel). Stainless steel, coins, batteries
How does Nickel compare to neighboring elements?
Other transition metal elements: