Atomic number 41
Niobium
Transition metal
In the real world
Quick facts
- Atomic mass
- 92.906
- Group
- 5
- Period
- 5
- State (STP)
- solid
- Electronegativity
- 1.60
- Common ox. states
- +3, +5
Properties
Electron configuration
[Kr] 4d⁴ 5s¹
- Ionization energy
- 652.1 kJ/mol
- Electron affinity
- 86.1 kJ/mol
- Melting point
- 2750.00 K (2476.8 °C)
- Boiling point
- 5017.00 K (4743.9 °C)
How dangerous is it?
1/5 · Low risk
A tough, silvery metal that is safe to handle and gentle enough for body implants. Only its fine powder needs care.
- FlammableImmediate
Finely divided niobium powder can ignite in air, while a solid piece will not. (as a fine powder, not the solid)
The powder is kept away from heat and sparks; the bulk metal needs no special care.
How it bonds
Niobium most often shows +5 (Nb₂O₅). Like chromium, its electron configuration is an exception (4d⁴ 5s¹ rather than 4d³ 5s²). Used in superconducting magnets (Nb₃Sn, Nb-Ti) including those in MRI machines.
