Element 41 · Transition metal
Niobium (Nb) — Element 41
Niobe of Greek myth
Niobium (Nb) is a transition metal in Period 5, Group 5 of the periodic table with atomic number 41, standard atomic weight 92.906 u, and ground-state electron configuration [Kr] 4d⁴ 5s¹. At standard temperature and pressure it is classified as a solid with 5 valence electrons and common oxidation states +5, +3.
Superconducting magnets, steel
What are the atomic properties and physical constants of Niobium?
Reference constants compiled from IUPAC standard atomic weights, the NIST Atomic Spectra Database, and the CRC Handbook.
- Atomic number (Z)
- 41
- Standard atomic mass
- 92.906 u
- Chemical family
- Transition metal
- Ground-state configuration
- [Kr] 4d⁴ 5s¹
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 12, 1
- Valence electrons
- 5
- Common ion charges / oxidation states
- +5, +3
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Pauling electronegativity
- 1.60 Pauling
- First ionization energy
- 652 kJ/mol
- Atomic radius
- 198 pm
- Melting point
- 2,477 °C
- Boiling point
- 4,744 °C
- Discovery year
- 1801
- Table coordinate
- Period 5, Group 5
- Radioactivity
- Has stable isotope(s)
How are electrons arranged across Niobium’s shells?
A neutral Niobium atom contains 41 electrons distributed across 5 occupied principal energy shells ([Kr] 4d⁴ 5s¹). The table below compares Niobium’s shell occupancy against each shell’s theoretical 2n² capacity.
| Principal Shell (n) | Spectroscopic Letter | Electrons in Nb | 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 | 12 e⁻ | 32 e⁻ |
| n = 5 | O | 1 e⁻ | 50 e⁻ |
Frequently Asked Questions about Niobium (Nb)
What is the atomic mass and atomic number of Niobium (Nb)?
Niobium (Nb) has atomic number Z = 41 (41 protons in its nucleus) and an IUPAC standard atomic weight of 92.906 u. It sits in Period 5, Group 5 and is classified as a transition metal.
What is the ground-state electron configuration of Niobium?
The neutral ground-state electron configuration of Niobium (Z = 41) is [Kr] 4d⁴ 5s¹. Across its 5 occupied principal shells (n = 1 to n = 5), the electrons per shell are 2, 8, 18, 12, 1, with 5 valence electrons participating in bonding.
What are the common ion charges and electronegativity of Niobium?
Niobium commonly forms +5, +3 oxidation states or ion charges in compounds. Its Pauling electronegativity is 1.60 and its first ionization energy is 652 kJ/mol.
When was Niobium discovered and what is it used for?
Niobium was discovered in 1801 (Niobe of Greek myth). Superconducting magnets, steel
How does Niobium compare to neighboring elements?
Other transition metal elements: