Bismuth

Post-transition metal · atomic number 83

83208.980401BiBismuthSolidPost-transition metal

Bismuth is a chemical element with symbol Bi and atomic number 83. Bismuth, a pentavalent post-transition metal, chemically resembles arsenic and antimony. Elemental bismuth may occur naturally, although its sulfide and oxide form important commercial ores.

Properties of Bismuth

Element category	Post-transition metal
Atomic number	83
Atomic mass	208.980401 u
Phase at STP	Solid
Group	15
Period	6
Block	p
Electron configuration	[Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3
Electrons per shell	2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 5
Electronegativity (Pauling)	2.02
Melting point	544.7 K (272 °C)
Boiling point	1837 K (1564 °C)
Density	9.78 g/cm3
Discovered by	Claude François Geoffroy

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About the post-transition metal group

Softer, lower-melting metals beside the transition block — aluminium, tin, lead — abundant in cans, foils, solders and pigments.

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