Nb
Niobium is a soft, ductile transition metal used in superalloys and superconducting magnets.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 92.906 u |
| Density | 8.57 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 2750.0 K |
| Boiling Point | 5017.0 K |
| Appearance | Gray metallic, bluish when oxidized |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 1.6 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 652.1 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | 86.1 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | +2, +3, +4, +5 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [Kr] 4d4 5s1 |
| Atomic Radius | 146.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 164.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 207.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Charles Hatchett |
| Discovery Year | 1801 |
| Location | London, England |
| Named After | Niobe, daughter of Tantalus in Greek mythology |
About Niobium
Niobium is a light gray, crystalline, ductile metal that becomes a superconductor at cryogenic temperatures. Originally called columbium in America. It is used in the superconducting magnets of the Large Hadron Collider.
Uses & Applications
Superconducting magnets (MRI, particle accelerators), steel alloys for pipelines, jet engines, and jewelry.
Fun Fact
Niobium-titanium alloys are used in the superconducting magnets of the Large Hadron Collider.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 93 | 1.0% | - | Yes |
Electron Configuration
[Kr] 4d4 5s1