B
Boron
Atomic number: 5Mass: 10.81 uCategory: Metalloid
About Boron
Boron is a metalloid that is hard and brittle in its pure form. It occurs naturally as borates in the Earth's crust. Boron is an essential micronutrient for plants and is found in soil worldwide.
Properties
Period
2
Group
13
Block
P
Category
Metalloid
Electronegativity
2.04 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
800.6 kJ/mol
Melting Point
2349 K (2076°C)
Boiling Point
4200 K (3927°C)
Density
2.34 g/cm³
Oxidation States
+3
Electron Configuration
1s² 2s² 2p¹
[He] 2s² 2p¹
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:3e⁻
Real-World Uses
Borosilicate glass
Detergents
Insulation
Semiconductors
Nuclear radiation shields
Fun Fact
Boron carbide is one of the hardest known materials — harder than steel — and is used in tank armour and bulletproof vests.