Nickel (Ni)
Transition metal · d-block · period 4 · group 10
Lustrous, silvery-white metal with a faint golden tinge.
Nickel (symbol Ni) is chemical element number 28, a transition metal in group 10, period 4 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 58.693 and its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d8 4s2. At room temperature it is a solid. The name comes from 'Kupfernickel' — 'devil's copper' — because miners could not smelt copper from it.
Properties
| Atomic number | 28 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 58.693 |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Block | d-block |
| Group · Period | 10 · 4 |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d8 4s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 16, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1728 K |
| Boiling point | 3186 K |
| Density | 8.908 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.91 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1751 · Axel Fredrik Cronstedt |
Key facts about Nickel
- The name comes from 'Kupfernickel' — 'devil's copper' — because miners could not smelt copper from it.
- Resists corrosion, so it is plated onto other metals and mixed into stainless steel.
- A good catalyst for adding hydrogen to vegetable oils (making margarine).
- The 'silver' in many coins is actually a copper-nickel alloy.
What Nickel is used for
Stainless steel, coins, rechargeable batteries, electroplating, hydrogenation catalyst, superalloys.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Nickel is in group 10, period 4, of the d-block. Its electron configuration [Ar] 3d8 4s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Nickel on the interactive table →
Nickel — frequently asked questions
What is Nickel used for?
Stainless steel, coins, rechargeable batteries, electroplating, hydrogenation catalyst, superalloys.
Is Nickel radioactive?
No. Nickel has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Nickel?
Nickel has the electron configuration [Ar] 3d8 4s2, which is 2, 8, 16, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Nickel in?
Nickel is in group 10, period 4, in the d-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Nickel?
Nickel was discovered in 1751 by Axel Fredrik Cronstedt.