Bismuth (Bi)
Post-transition metal
Bismuth is the heaviest element with an (almost) stable heart — its one natural isotope decays so slowly it outlives the universe many times over. It forms stunning rainbow-stepped crystals and soothes upset stomachs.
Position on the periodic table
Atomic properties
| Atomic number | 83 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 208.98 amu |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d10 6p3 |
| Noble gas shorthand | [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 5 |
| Valence electrons (outer shell) | 5 |
| Common oxidation states | +3, +5 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.02 |
| Covalent radius (approx.) | 148 pm |
| First ionization energy | 703 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 90.9 kJ/mol |
Physical properties
| State at 25 °C | Solid |
|---|---|
| Density | 9.78 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 271.55 °C (544.7 K) |
| Boiling point | 1563.8 °C (1837 K) |
| Appearance | lustrous silver |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | Occurs naturally |
Electron configuration of bismuth
Bismuth's ground-state electron configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d10 6p3, usually shortened to [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3. Its electrons occupy 6 shells (2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 5), placing it in period 6 of the p-block. The 5 outer-shell electrons drive its bonding behaviour. Explore it interactively in the electron configuration calculator.
Uses of bismuth
- Stomach remedies (bismuth subsalicylate)
- Non-toxic replacement for lead in solder, shot and fishing weights
- Low-melting safety alloys for fire sprinklers
- Cosmetic pearlescent pigments
Biological role: None essential; some compounds are used medicinally.
Occurrence: By-product of lead, copper and tin refining.
Common compounds of bismuth
Bi2O3
Bismuth(III) oxide
BiOCl
Bismuth oxychloride (cosmetics)
History and discovery
Discovered: 1753 — Claude François Geoffroy. Name origin: Probably from German wismut, of uncertain meaning.
Confused with lead and tin for centuries; Claude Geoffroy the Younger established it as distinct in 1753.
Safety notes
Remarkably non-toxic for a heavy metal — hence its role replacing lead.
Educational context only — always follow your school's laboratory rules and never handle chemicals without proper supervision. See our disclaimer.
Practice questions
Quick practice: Bismuth
1. What is the chemical symbol of Bismuth?
2. What is the atomic number of Bismuth?
3. Which category does Bismuth belong to?
4. What is the state of Bismuth at room temperature?
5. Which period of the periodic table is Bismuth in?
Bismuth FAQs
What is the atomic number of bismuth?
Bismuth's atomic number is 83 — every bismuth atom has 83 protons in its nucleus.
What is the symbol for bismuth?
Bi. Probably from German wismut, of uncertain meaning.
Is bismuth a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Bismuth is classified as a post-transition metal.
What state is bismuth at room temperature?
At about 25 °C, bismuth is a solid. It melts at 271.55 °C.
How many valence electrons does bismuth have?
Bismuth has 5 electrons in its outer shell (shell pattern: 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 5).
What is bismuth used for?
Key uses include: stomach remedies (bismuth subsalicylate); non-toxic replacement for lead in solder, shot and fishing weights; low-melting safety alloys for fire sprinklers.
Related elements
Keep working with this element
Spotted an error? Report a correction · Data sources