Vanadium (V): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Vanadium (V): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Ar] 4s2 3d3 · group 5 · period 4 · Ar 50.942
Vanadium data
- Atomic number
- 23
- Relative atomic mass
- 50.942
- Group
- 5
- Period
- 4
- Block
- d
- Category
- Transition metal
- Electron configuration
- [Ar] 4s2 3d3
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d3
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 11, 2 (K L M N)
- Valence electrons
- 5
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 1.63
- First ionisation energy
- 6.746 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 179 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 1910 °C
- Boiling point
- 3407 °C
- Density
- 6 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +5, +4, +3, +2
- Discovered
- 1801
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 11 · N 2
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About vanadium
Vanadium, symbol V, is element number 23 in the periodic table. It is a transition metal in group 5, period 4, d-block. The element was discovered in 1801. Vanadium is a solid at room temperature, melting at 1910 °C and boiling at 3407 °C.
Vanadium electron configuration
The electron configuration of vanadium is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d3, or in short [Ar] 4s2 3d3. Its electrons occupy 4 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 11, N = 2. For transition metals, valence electrons are counted from the 4s and 3d subshells: 2 + 3 = 5, matching group 5. When it forms cations, electrons leave the outermost subshell first: V2+ = [Ar] 3d3; V3+ = [Ar] 3d2; V4+ = [Ar] 3d1.
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p6(10) → 3s2(12) → 3p6(18) → 4s2(20) → 3d3(23)
Uses of vanadium
Well-known applications of vanadium include tool and high-strength steels, the V2O5 catalyst for sulfuric acid production, and vanadium redox flow batteries. For research and analysis you can browse vanadium compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) dust is toxic to inhale. 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 vanadium?
The electron configuration of vanadium (V, atomic number 23) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d3, or [Ar] 4s2 3d3 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 11, 2.
How many valence electrons does vanadium have?
Vanadium has 5 valence electrons.
Which group and period is vanadium in?
Vanadium is in group 5, period 4, d-block.
What is the atomic mass of vanadium?
The relative atomic mass of vanadium is 50.942. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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