Nickel
Nickel (镍, symbol Ni) is chemical element number 28, a Transition Metal in period 4, group 10 of the periodic table, with a standard atomic weight of about 58.693. Silvery-white, ductile, corrosion-resistant metal. Used in coins and stainless steel.
Properties
| Atomic number | 28 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ni |
| Atomic mass | 58.693 u |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Period | 4 |
| Group | 10 |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d⁸ 4s² |
| Electronegativity | 1.91 |
| Covalent radius | 124 pm |
| Density | 8.912 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 1728 K |
| Boiling point | 3186 K |
| Discovery | Axel Fredrik Cronstedt, 1751 |
Overview
Silvery-white, ductile, corrosion-resistant metal. Used in coins and stainless steel. Nickel (symbol Ni) is chemical element number 28, sitting in period 4, group 10 of the periodic table and classed as a Transition Metal. As a transition metal it commonly shows several oxidation states, forms coloured compounds, and is widely used in catalysts and alloys.
With 2 electrons in its outermost shell, Nickel bonds accordingly; full configuration [Ar] 3d⁸ 4s², electronegativity 1.91. At room temperature it is normally a solid; it melts near 1728 K (1454.9 °C), boils near 3186 K (2912.9 °C), has a density around 8.912 g/cm³.
Common applications range across Structural / Alloys, Energy / Batteries and Catalysis. It is regarded as a moderate-hazard element, so handle it with appropriate care. It was first described by Axel Fredrik Cronstedt in 1751. Use the comparison tool to line it up against other elements.
Electron shells
Electrons per shell: 2 · 8 · 16 · 2
Main uses
- Structural / Alloys
- Energy / Batteries
- Catalysis
Hazard
Compounds containing Nickel
No compounds in this knowledge base contain Nickel yet.
Data sources
Atomic mass uses IUPAC (CIAAW) standard atomic weights; the covalent radius is from Cordero et al. (2008). Verify on the RSC Periodic Table, PubChem and Wikipedia. Educational reference only.