Bismuth (Bi)
Bismuth is element 83, a post-transition metal in period 6, group 15 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.
Electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 5
Bismuth data
| Atomic number | 83 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Bi |
| Atomic mass | 208.98 u |
| Category | Post-transition metal |
| Group | 15 |
| Period | 6 |
| Block | p |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 544 K (270.9 °C) |
| Boiling point | 1837 K (1563.9 °C) |
| Density | 9.78 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.02 |
| Atomic radius | 146 pm |
| 1st ionization energy | 703 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -91 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | -3, +3, +5 |
| Common ion charge | 3+ |
| Discovered | Known since antiquity |
Orbital diagram
Each box is one orbital holding up to two electrons of opposite spin. Following Hund’s rule, electrons spread out singly across a subshell before pairing.
Work through bismuth’s configuration and its ions →
Where bismuth sits
Bismuth belongs to the post-transition metals. Its Pauling electronegativity of 2.02 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Bismuth FAQ
What is the electron configuration of bismuth?
Bismuth (Z = 83) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p6 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3.
How many valence electrons does bismuth have?
5 (outer shell (n = 6)).
What is the atomic mass of bismuth?
The standard atomic weight of bismuth is 208.98 u, so one mole weighs 208.98 g.
Is bismuth a metal?
Yes. Bismuth is a post-transition metal.
What is the charge of a bismuth ion?
Bismuth most commonly forms Bi3+.