Bi
Bismuth
Atomic number: 83Mass: 208.98 uCategory: Post-Transition Metal
About Bismuth
Bismuth is a brittle metal with a silvery white colour when freshly produced, but surface oxidation gives it a pink tinge. It is often used as a replacement for lead due to its low toxicity. Pepto-Bismol, the stomach medicine, contains bismuth.
Properties
Period
6
Group
15
Block
P
Category
Post-Transition Metal
Electronegativity
2.02 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
703 kJ/mol
Melting Point
545 K (272°C)
Boiling Point
1837 K (1564°C)
Density
9.78 g/cm³
Oxidation States
+3, +5
Electron Configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 4f¹⁴ 5s² 5p⁶ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³
[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:8e⁻
Shell 3:18e⁻
Shell 4:32e⁻
Shell 5:18e⁻
Shell 6:5e⁻
Real-World Uses
Medicines (Pepto-Bismol)
Cosmetics
Fire sprinkler alloys
Lead replacement
Soldering alloys
Fun Fact
Bismuth forms stunning hopper crystals with iridescent rainbow surfaces — they look like tiny rainbow staircases and you can grow them at home!