Xenon (Xe): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Xenon (Xe): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Kr] 5s2 4d10 5p6 · group 18 · period 5 · Ar 131.29
Xenon data
- Atomic number
- 54
- Relative atomic mass
- 131.29
- Group
- 18
- Period
- 5
- Block
- p
- Category
- Noble gas
- Electron configuration
- [Kr] 5s2 4d10 5p6
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 18, 8 (K L M N O)
- Valence electrons
- 8
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 2.6
- First ionisation energy
- 12.13 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 216 pm
- State at room temperature
- Gas
- Melting point
- −112 °C
- Boiling point
- −108 °C
- Density
- 5.887 g/L (0 °C, 1 atm)
- Common oxidation states
- 0
- Discovered
- 1898
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 18 · N 18 · O 8
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About xenon
Xenon is a chemical element with the symbol Xe and atomic number 54. It is a noble gas in group 18, period 5, p-block. Xenon was first discovered in 1898. At room temperature xenon is a gas that is heavier than air (5.887 g/L) and liquefies at −108 °C.
Xenon electron configuration
The electron configuration of xenon is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6, or in short [Kr] 5s2 4d10 5p6. Its electrons occupy 5 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 18, N = 18, O = 8. Xenon has 8 valence electrons in the O shell (5s2 5p6), which is why it sits in group 18.
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p6(10) → 3s2(12) → 3p6(18) → 4s2(20) → 3d10(30) → 4p6(36) → 5s2(38) → 4d10(48) → 5p6(54)
Uses of xenon
The main uses of xenon include vehicle headlamps and projector lamps, anaesthesia, and ion thrusters on spacecraft.
Safety
Xenon is non-toxic and almost unreactive, but large amounts in a closed room can displace oxygen. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 18
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of xenon?
The electron configuration of xenon (Xe, atomic number 54) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6, or [Kr] 5s2 4d10 5p6 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 18, 18, 8.
How many valence electrons does xenon have?
Xenon has 8 valence electrons.
Which group and period is xenon in?
Xenon is in group 18, period 5, p-block.
What is the atomic mass of xenon?
The relative atomic mass of xenon is 131.29. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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