23VVanadium50.941

Vanadium is element 23, a transition metal in period 4, group 5 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.

Electron configuration [Ar] 3d3 4s2

Electrons per shell 2, 8, 11, 2

V

Vanadium data

Atomic number23
SymbolV
Atomic mass50.941 u
CategoryTransition metal
Group5
Period4
Blockd
State at 25 °Csolid
Melting point2183 K (1909.9 °C)
Boiling point3680 K (3406.9 °C)
Density6.11 g/cm³
Electronegativity (Pauling)1.63
Atomic radius125 pm
1st ionization energy651 kJ/mol
Electron affinity-51 kJ/mol
Oxidation states-1, +2, +3, +4
Common ion charge5+, 3+
Discovered1803

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 vanadium’s configuration and its ions →

Where vanadium sits

Vanadium belongs to the transition metals. Its Pauling electronegativity of 1.63 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.

Vanadium FAQ

What is the electron configuration of vanadium?

Vanadium (Z = 23) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d3 4s2. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Ar] 3d3 4s2.

How many valence electrons does vanadium have?

5 (2 outer s + 3 d electrons; 2 in the outermost shell).

What is the atomic mass of vanadium?

The standard atomic weight of vanadium is 50.941 u, so one mole weighs 50.941 g.

Is vanadium a metal?

Yes. Vanadium is a transition metal.

What is the charge of a vanadium ion?

Vanadium most commonly forms V5+ or V3+.