Bi
Bismuth
Element 83 · 208.98 u
Bismuth is known for its iridescent oxide crystals and is the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 208.98 u |
| Density | 9.807 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 544.7 K |
| Boiling Point | 1837.0 K |
| Appearance | Lustrous pinkish-silver metallic |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 2.02 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 703.0 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | 91.2 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | -3, +3, +5 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3 |
| Atomic Radius | 156.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 148.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 207.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Claude Francois Geoffroy |
| Discovery Year | 1753 |
| Location | Paris, France |
| Named After | German 'Wismut' meaning white mass |
About Bismuth
Bismuth is a brittle metal with a silvery-white color that develops iridescent oxide tarnish. It has low toxicity for a heavy metal and expands when solidifying. Bismuth-209 was found in 2003 to be very slightly radioactive.
Uses & Applications
Pepto-Bismol, cosmetics, low-melting alloys, lead-free shot, and fire sprinkler triggers.
Fun Fact
Bismuth crystals form stunning iridescent staircase structures with rainbow colors, popular among mineral collectors.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 209 | 1.0% | 1.9e19 years | No |
Electron Configuration
[Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p3