Xenon (Xe)
Xenon is element 54, a noble gas in period 5, group 18 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a gas.
Electron configuration [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p6
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 18, 18, 8
Xenon data
| Atomic number | 54 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Xe |
| Atomic mass | 131.293 u |
| Category | Noble gas |
| Group | 18 |
| Period | 5 |
| Block | p |
| State at 25 °C | gas |
| Melting point | 161 K (-112.1 °C) |
| Boiling point | 165 K (-108.1 °C) |
| Density | 0.0059 g/cm³ (5.9 g/L) |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | — |
| Atomic radius | 130 pm |
| 1st ionization energy | 1170 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 0 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | +2, +4, +6, +8 |
| Common ion charge | 0 |
| Discovered | 1898 |
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 xenon’s configuration and its ions →
Where xenon sits
Xenon belongs to the noble gases. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Xenon FAQ
What is the electron configuration of xenon?
Xenon (Z = 54) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p6. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p6.
How many valence electrons does xenon have?
8 (full outer shell).
What is the atomic mass of xenon?
The standard atomic weight of xenon is 131.293 u, so one mole weighs 131.293 g.
Is xenon a metal?
No. Xenon is a noble gas.
What is the charge of a xenon ion?
Xenon most commonly forms no ions.