83Bi208.98
Bismuth
Post-transition metalsSofter metals with lower melting points, often used in alloys and solders.
[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³
- Atomic number
- 83
- Atomic mass
- 208.98
- Protons
- 83
- Neutrons
- 126 (most common)
- Electrons
- 83
- Shells
- 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 5
- State at 25 °C
- Solid
- Position
- Group 15, period 6
Proton (+)Neutron (0)Electron (−)
Discovered byClaude François Geoffroy, 1753
Long confused with lead and tin, until Geoffroy showed it was a separate element.
Did you know?
- Its crystals form rainbow-coloured staircases.
- It is very slightly radioactive, with a half-life a billion times longer than the age of the universe.
Where it's found
- By-product of lead and copper refining
What it's used for
- Stomach medicines
- Lead-free solder
- Fire sprinkler plugs that melt easily
Try it
There's no safe home experiment for Bismuth. Explore it with the animated atom above instead.