Niobium (Nb)
Transition metal
Niobium is a soft, grey metal that transforms steel: a few hundred grams per tonne makes pipelines and car bodies stronger and lighter. Chilled to extreme cold, niobium alloys become superconducting magnets for MRI machines and particle accelerators.
Position on the periodic table
Atomic properties
| Atomic number | 41 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 92.9064 amu |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s1 4d4 |
| Noble gas shorthand | [Kr] 4d4 5s1 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 12, 1 |
| Valence electrons (outer shell) | 1 |
| Common oxidation states | +5 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.6 |
| Covalent radius (approx.) | 164 pm |
| First ionization energy | 652.1 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 88.5 kJ/mol |
Physical properties
| State at 25 °C | Solid |
|---|---|
| Density | 8.57 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 2476.8 °C (2750 K) |
| Boiling point | 4743.9 °C (5017 K) |
| Appearance | gray metallic, bluish when oxidized |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | Occurs naturally |
Electron configuration of niobium
Niobium's ground-state electron configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s1 4d4, usually shortened to [Kr] 4d4 5s1. Its electrons occupy 5 shells (2, 8, 18, 12, 1), placing it in period 5 of the d-block. Explore it interactively in the electron configuration calculator.
Uses of niobium
- High-strength low-alloy steel for pipelines and cars
- Superconducting magnets (MRI, accelerators)
- Jet engine superalloys
- Hypoallergenic jewellery and coins
Biological role: None known.
Occurrence: Mined mainly from pyrochlore, largely in Brazil.
Common compounds of niobium
Nb2O5
Niobium pentoxide
History and discovery
Discovered: 1801 — Charles Hatchett. Name origin: From Niobe, daughter of Tantalus in Greek myth — it is chemically entwined with tantalum.
Charles Hatchett discovered it in 1801 (calling it columbium); the name niobium became official in 1949.
Safety notes
Inert and well tolerated — even used in body-implant alloys.
Educational context only — always follow your school's laboratory rules and never handle chemicals without proper supervision. See our disclaimer.
Practice questions
Quick practice: Niobium
1. What is the chemical symbol of Niobium?
2. What is the atomic number of Niobium?
3. Which category does Niobium belong to?
4. What is the state of Niobium at room temperature?
5. Which period of the periodic table is Niobium in?
Niobium FAQs
What is the atomic number of niobium?
Niobium's atomic number is 41 — every niobium atom has 41 protons in its nucleus.
What is the symbol for niobium?
Nb. From Niobe, daughter of Tantalus in Greek myth — it is chemically entwined with tantalum.
Is niobium a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Niobium is classified as a transition metal.
What state is niobium at room temperature?
At about 25 °C, niobium is a solid. It melts at 2476.8 °C.
What is niobium used for?
Key uses include: high-strength low-alloy steel for pipelines and cars; superconducting magnets (mri, accelerators); jet engine superalloys.
Related elements
Keep working with this element
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