Bismuth (Bi)
Post-transition metal · p-block · period 6 · group 15
Brittle, silvery-white metal with a pink tinge; grows iridescent rainbow crystals.
Bismuth (symbol Bi) is chemical element number 83, a post-transition metal in group 15, period 6 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 208.98 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3. At room temperature it is a solid. Forms strikingly geometric 'hopper' crystals coated in a rainbow oxide film.
Properties
| Atomic number | 83 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 208.98 |
| Category | Post-transition metal |
| Block | p-block |
| Group · Period | 15 · 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 5 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 544.7 K |
| Boiling point | 1837 K |
| Density | 9.78 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.02 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1753 · Claude François Geoffroy |
Key facts about Bismuth
- Forms strikingly geometric 'hopper' crystals coated in a rainbow oxide film.
- Long thought to be the heaviest stable element; it is in fact very faintly radioactive with a half-life a billion times the age of the universe.
- One of the few substances, like water, that expands when it freezes.
- The 'pink bismuth' in stomach medicines settles upset digestion.
What Bismuth is used for
Stomach medicines (Pepto-Bismol), low-melting alloys and fire-sprinkler triggers, lead-free solder and shot, cosmetics.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Bismuth is in group 15, period 6, of the p-block. Its electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3 means its outermost shell holds 5 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Bismuth on the interactive table →
Bismuth — frequently asked questions
What is Bismuth used for?
Stomach medicines (Pepto-Bismol), low-melting alloys and fire-sprinkler triggers, lead-free solder and shot, cosmetics.
Is Bismuth radioactive?
No. Bismuth has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Bismuth?
Bismuth has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3, which is 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 5 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Bismuth in?
Bismuth is in group 15, period 6, in the p-block. Its outer shell holds 5 electrons.
Who discovered Bismuth?
Bismuth was discovered in 1753 by Claude François Geoffroy.