Niobium (Nb): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Niobium (Nb): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Kr] 5s1 4d4 · group 5 · period 5 · Ar 92.906
Niobium data
- Atomic number
- 41
- Relative atomic mass
- 92.906
- Group
- 5
- Period
- 5
- Block
- d
- Category
- Transition metal
- Electron configuration
- [Kr] 5s1 4d4
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s1 4d4
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 12, 1 (K L M N O)
- Valence electrons
- 5
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 1.6
- First ionisation energy
- 6.759 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 207 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 2477 °C
- Boiling point
- 4744 °C
- Density
- 8.57 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +5, +3
- Discovered
- 1801
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 18 · N 12 · O 1
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About niobium
Niobium, symbol Nb, is element number 41 in the periodic table. It is a transition metal in group 5, period 5, d-block. The element was discovered in 1801. Niobium is a solid at room temperature, melting at 2477 °C and boiling at 4744 °C.
Niobium electron configuration
The electron configuration of niobium is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s1 4d4, or in short [Kr] 5s1 4d4. Its electrons occupy 5 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 18, N = 12, O = 1. For transition metals, valence electrons are counted from the 5s and 4d subshells: 1 + 4 = 5, matching group 5. This is an exception to the Aufbau rule: the usual filling order predicts [Kr] 5s2 4d3, but the 5s and 4d subshells are so close in energy that electrons occupy 4d. When it forms cations, electrons leave the outermost subshell first: Nb3+ = [Kr] 4d2.
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p6(10) → 3s2(12) → 3p6(18) → 4s2(20) → 3d10(30) → 4p6(36) → 5s1(37) → 4d4(41)
Uses of niobium
Well-known applications of niobium include microalloyed steel for pipelines and bridges, and NbTi superconducting magnets in MRI scanners and particle accelerators. For research and analysis you can browse niobium compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
Niobium metal is generally safe to handle, but avoid breathing its dust and read the SDS before using Niobium compounds. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 5
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of niobium?
The electron configuration of niobium (Nb, atomic number 41) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s1 4d4, or [Kr] 5s1 4d4 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 18, 12, 1.
How many valence electrons does niobium have?
Niobium has 5 valence electrons.
Which group and period is niobium in?
Niobium is in group 5, period 5, d-block.
What is the atomic mass of niobium?
The relative atomic mass of niobium is 92.906. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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