Bismuth (Bi): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Bismuth (Bi): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Xe] 6s2 4f14 5d10 6p3 · group 15 · period 6 · Ar 208.98
Bismuth data
- Atomic number
- 83
- Relative atomic mass
- 208.98
- Group
- 15
- Period
- 6
- Block
- p
- Category
- Post-transition metal
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 6s2 4f14 5d10 6p3
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d10 6p3
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 5 (K L M N O P)
- Valence electrons
- 5
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 2.02
- First ionisation energy
- 7.289 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 207 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 271 °C
- Boiling point
- 1564 °C
- Density
- 9.807 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +5, +3
- Discovered
- 1753
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 18 · N 32 · O 18 · P 5
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About bismuth
Bismuth, symbol Bi, is element number 83 in the periodic table. It is a post-transition metal in group 15, period 6, p-block. The element was discovered in 1753. Bismuth is a solid at room temperature, melting at 271 °C and boiling at 1564 °C.
Bismuth electron configuration
The electron configuration of bismuth is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d10 6p3, or in short [Xe] 6s2 4f14 5d10 6p3. Its electrons occupy 6 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 18, N = 32, O = 18, P = 5. Bismuth has 5 valence electrons in the P shell (6s2 6p3), which is why it sits in group 15.
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p6(10) → 3s2(12) → 3p6(18) → 4s2(20) → 3d10(30) → 4p6(36) → 5s2(38) → 4d10(48) → 5p6(54) → 6s2(56) → 4f14(70) → 5d10(80) → 6p3(83)
Uses of bismuth
Well-known applications of bismuth include bismuth subsalicylate stomach remedies, lead-free solder and shot, and low-melting alloys. For research and analysis you can browse bismuth compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
Bismuth metal is generally safe to handle, but avoid breathing its dust and read the SDS before using Bismuth compounds. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 15
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of bismuth?
The electron configuration of bismuth (Bi, atomic number 83) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d10 6p3, or [Xe] 6s2 4f14 5d10 6p3 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 5.
How many valence electrons does bismuth have?
Bismuth has 5 valence electrons.
Which group and period is bismuth in?
Bismuth is in group 15, period 6, p-block.
What is the atomic mass of bismuth?
The relative atomic mass of bismuth is 208.98. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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