What is the atomic number of Bismuth?

Bismuth has atomic number 83, meaning each neutral Bismuth atom contains 83 protons in its nucleus.

Is Bismuth radioactive?

Bismuth-209, the only naturally occurring isotope, was long considered stable. In 2003 it was found to be very slightly radioactive with a half-life of about 1.9 × 10¹⁹ years — far longer than the age of the universe — so it is effectively stable for all practical purposes.

What is the electron configuration of Bismuth?

The ground-state electron configuration is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³, or in full: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 4f¹⁴ 5s² 5p⁶ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³.

What are the common oxidation states of Bismuth?

Bismuth most commonly exhibits +3 (in compounds like Bi₂O₃ and BiCl₃) and +5 (in NaBiO₃). The +3 state is far more stable due to the inert-pair effect of the 6s electrons.

What is Bismuth used for?

Major uses include low-melting alloys (fire-safety sprinkler systems, solders), bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol antacid), nuclear reactor coolants, thermoelectric materials (Bi₂Te₃), and as a replacement for lead in ammunition and plumbing.

Why does Bismuth expand on solidifying?

Like water and gallium, Bismuth is one of the few substances that expands when it freezes. This unusual property arises from its crystal structure, where atoms pack less efficiently in the solid state than in the liquid — making it valuable in castings where dimensional precision is needed.

Bismuth Element Properties

Name: Bismuth Element Properties
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Author: Nham Vu

Explore the complete physical, chemical, and electronic properties of Bismuth (Bi, Z=83) in one interactive reference card.

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Bismuth

Post-transition Metal • Period 6 • Group 15

Z = 83 Stable* Diamagnetic

*Half-life ~1.9 × 10¹⁹ yr — effectively stable

Search Properties

Electron Configuration

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 4f¹⁴ 5s² 5p⁶ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³

Noble-gas shorthand: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³ — valence electrons highlighted in blue.

1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 4f¹⁴ 5s² 5p⁶ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p³

Oxidation States

+3 Most stable Bi₂O₃, BiCl₃, Bi(NO₃)₃

+5 Strong oxidizer NaBiO₃, Bi₂O₅

0 Elemental Bi metal

−3 Rare Metal bismuthides

The +3 state dominates due to the inert-pair effect — the 6s² electrons resist ionization at this period.

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Summary

Explore the complete physical, chemical, and electronic properties of Bismuth (Bi, Z=83) in one interactive reference card.

How it works

Click any property category tab to focus on that data group.
Use the search box to filter properties by name or value.
The electron configuration diagram shows the subshell filling order visually.
Hover over oxidation state badges to see example compounds.
Click "Copy Data" to copy the full property table as plain text.

Use cases

Students studying Group 15 post-transition metals for exams.
Chemists verifying Bismuth physical constants for lab work.
Metallurgists checking melting and boiling points for alloy design.
Educators building lesson materials on heavy stable elements.
Pharmaceutical researchers referencing Bismuth subsalicylate chemistry.
Materials scientists exploring Bismuth telluride thermoelectric applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-18 · Reviewed by Nham Vu