Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Bi |
| Atomic Number | 83 |
| Atomic Mass | 208.98 u |
| Category | Post-Transition Metal |
| Period | 6 |
| Group | 15 |
| Block | p |
| Electron Configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³ |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| State at 20°C | Solid |
| Density | 9.78 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 271.4°C (544.55 K) |
| Boiling Point | 1564°C (1837 K) |
| Appearance | Silvery-white with pinkish tinge; iridescent oxide |
History and Discovery
Discovered by: Claude François Geoffroy Year of Discovery: 1753 Location: Paris, France
Etymology
Origin uncertain; possibly from German "wismuth" (white mass).
Applications and Uses
- Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)
- Low-melting alloys (fusible alloys)
- Lead-free solders
- Cosmetics (bismuth oxychloride)
- Fire sprinkler triggers
Interesting Facts
- Bismuth is technically radioactive but has the longest half-life known (2×10¹⁹ years)
- Forms beautiful iridescent hopper crystals
- Expands when solidifying (like water)
- Non-toxic replacement for lead in many applications
- Pink iridescence comes from oxide layer