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41 Nb Niobium 92.906372

Niobium

TRANSITION METAL
Bohr Model: Electrons arranged in energy shells around the nucleus.

Niobium, formerly columbium, is a chemical element with symbol Nb (formerly Cb) and atomic number 41. It is a soft, grey, ductile transition metal, which is often found in the pyrochlore mineral, the main commercial source for niobium, and columbite. The name comes from Greek mythology:Niobe, daughter of Tantalus since it is so similar to tantalum.

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Quick Facts

Atomic Number 41
Period 5
Group 5
Phase Solid
Appearance gray metallic, bluish when oxidized
About Transition Metals

Transition metals are elements with partially filled d-orbitals. They are hard, have high melting points, and often form colored compounds.

History

Discovered By Charles Hatchett
Named By Unknown

Physical Properties

Atomic Mass 92.906372
Density 8.57 g/L
Molar Heat 24.6 J/(mol·K)
Phase Transition (Melting & Boiling Points)

Niobium melts at 2750 K and boils at 5017 K.

Atomic Properties

Electron Config [Kr] 4d4 5s1
Electronegativity 1.6
Electron Affinity 88.516 kJ/mol
Ionization Energy 652.1 kJ/mol
Orbital Filling Diagram
This diagram visualizes electron configuration according to the Aufbau principle and Hund's rule. Boxes represent orbitals (s, p, d, f), while arrows indicate electrons with spin up or down. Electrons fill lower energy levels first and occupy orbitals singly before pairing.

Photograph

Image of Niobium Source: Wikipedia

External Resources

Wikipedia PubChem Royal Society of Chemistry Periodic Videos (YouTube)

Study Guide

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus, which defines the element.

Atomic Mass

The average mass of an atom, including protons and neutrons.

Electronegativity

A measure of how strongly an atom attracts electrons in a bond.

Ionization Energy

The energy required to remove an electron from an atom.

Electron Config

The arrangement of electrons in the atom's energy shells.