Nickel (Ni): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Nickel (Ni): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Ar] 4s2 3d8 · group 10 · period 4 · Ar 58.693
Nickel data
- Atomic number
- 28
- Relative atomic mass
- 58.693
- Group
- 10
- Period
- 4
- Block
- d
- Category
- Transition metal
- Electron configuration
- [Ar] 4s2 3d8
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d8
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 16, 2 (K L M N)
- Valence electrons
- 10
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 1.91
- First ionisation energy
- 7.64 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 163 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 1455 °C
- Boiling point
- 2913 °C
- Density
- 8.912 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +3, +2
- Discovered
- 1751
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 16 · N 2
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About nickel
With atomic number 28, nickel (Ni) has 28 protons in its nucleus and 28 electrons as a neutral atom. It is a transition metal in group 10, period 4, d-block. Nickel was first discovered in 1751. Nickel is a solid at room temperature, melting at 1455 °C and boiling at 2913 °C.
Nickel electron configuration
The electron configuration of nickel is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d8, or in short [Ar] 4s2 3d8. Its electrons occupy 4 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 16, N = 2. For transition metals, valence electrons are counted from the 4s and 3d subshells: 2 + 8 = 10, matching group 10. When it forms cations, electrons leave the outermost subshell first: Ni2+ = [Ar] 3d8; Ni3+ = [Ar] 3d7.
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p6(10) → 3s2(12) → 3p6(18) → 4s2(20) → 3d8(28)
Uses of nickel
In industry and the laboratory, nickel turns up in many places, for example stainless steel, nickel plating, nickel-rich battery cathodes and hydrogenation catalysts such as Raney nickel; Indonesia is the world’s largest nickel producer. For research and analysis you can browse nickel compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
Nickel commonly causes skin allergy, and some nickel compounds are carcinogenic by inhalation. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 10
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of nickel?
The electron configuration of nickel (Ni, atomic number 28) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d8, or [Ar] 4s2 3d8 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 16, 2.
How many valence electrons does nickel have?
Nickel has 10 valence electrons.
Which group and period is nickel in?
Nickel is in group 10, period 4, d-block.
What is the atomic mass of nickel?
The relative atomic mass of nickel is 58.693. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
Need nickel compounds for your lab?
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