Nickel Element Properties
A complete reference card for Nickel (Ni, #28) — atomic data, physical constants, electron configuration, and key industrial applications.
Nickel
Physical Properties
Chemical Properties
Electron Shell Configuration
Full notation: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d⁸ 4s²
Periodic Table Placement
Stable Isotopes
Major Applications
-
Stainless Steel Alloys
~68% of nickel production goes into austenitic stainless steel (304, 316 grades).
-
NiMH Batteries
Nickel-metal hydride batteries power hybrid vehicles and consumer electronics.
-
Electroplating
Nickel plating provides corrosion and wear resistance on metals and plastics.
-
Coins
The US nickel coin is 75% copper, 25% nickel; many countries use nickel-clad coinage.
-
Permanent Magnets
Alnico (Al-Ni-Co) magnets use nickel for high Curie temperature and coercivity.
-
Catalysts
Raney nickel and supported nickel catalysts enable hydrogenation reactions in food and chemicals.
-
Superalloys
Nickel superalloys (e.g., Inconel) are critical for jet engine turbine blades at high temperatures.
Summary
A complete reference card for Nickel (Ni, #28) — atomic data, physical constants, electron configuration, and key industrial applications.
How it works
- Browse the atomic data card for symbol, atomic number, mass, and group/period placement.
- Check the physical properties panel for density, melting point, boiling point, and state at room temperature.
- Review the electron configuration and orbital diagram to understand nickel's bonding behavior.
- Explore the chemical properties section for electronegativity, common oxidation states, and reactivity notes.
- Use the applications panel to see where nickel appears in everyday materials and industrial processes.
- Copy any value by clicking the copy icon next to it.
Use cases
- Quick lookup of nickel's physical constants for chemistry homework or lab work.
- Verifying electron configuration and oxidation states for inorganic chemistry problems.
- Understanding why nickel is used in stainless steel, batteries, and electroplating.
- Reference for materials scientists selecting alloys or corrosion-resistant coatings.
- Teaching aid for periodic table lessons focused on transition metals.
- Background reading for environmental or occupational health assessments involving nickel compounds.
- Engineering reference when specifying NiMH battery components or nickel-based catalysts.
- General curiosity — exploring why nickel is ferromagnetic and how it compares to iron and cobalt.