Nickel (Ni)
Nickel is element 28, a transition metal in period 4, group 10 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.
Electron configuration [Ar] 3d8 4s2
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 16, 2
Nickel data
| Atomic number | 28 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ni |
| Atomic mass | 58.693 u |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Group | 10 |
| Period | 4 |
| Block | d |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1728 K (1454.9 °C) |
| Boiling point | 3186 K (2912.9 °C) |
| Density | 8.908 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.91 |
| Atomic radius | 121 pm |
| 1st ionization energy | 737 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -112 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | -1, +1, +2, +3, +4 |
| Common ion charge | 2+ |
| Discovered | 1751 |
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 nickel’s configuration and its ions →
Where nickel sits
Nickel belongs to the transition metals. Its Pauling electronegativity of 1.91 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Nickel FAQ
What is the electron configuration of nickel?
Nickel (Z = 28) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d8 4s2. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Ar] 3d8 4s2.
How many valence electrons does nickel have?
10 (2 outer s + 8 d electrons; 2 in the outermost shell).
What is the atomic mass of nickel?
The standard atomic weight of nickel is 58.693 u, so one mole weighs 58.693 g.
Is nickel a metal?
Yes. Nickel is a transition metal.
What is the charge of a nickel ion?
Nickel most commonly forms Ni2+.