Bismuth, Bi

This is a picture of solid bismuth This is a picture to depict the electron configuration of bismuth
This is a picture of bismuth it is adapted by Dr Mark Winter with permission from Prof James Marshall's (U. North Texas, USA) Walking Tour of the elements CD This is a picture to depict the electron configuration of bismuth, this picture is courtesy of Dr Mark Winter's 'webelements' web site

General Information

Electron
Configuration		 Atomic
Number		 Relative
Atomic Mass		 Isotopes Melting
Point		 Boiling
Point		 Pauling
Eletronegativity		 Density Element class
1s22s22p63s23p3 83 208.98 209(100%) 544K 1837K 2.02 9.8gcm-3 Metal

Discovery

Bismuth was confused with lead and tin until Claude Geoffroy showed it to be a element of its own in 1753.

Occurrence

Bismuth occurs native and as ores including bismuthinite (Bi2S3) Japan, Canada and Mexico are producers of bismuth it is often obtained as a by product when mining for other metals like gold or lead.

Common Uses

  1. Various alloys (e.g. malleable irons)
  2. Acrylic fibres
  3. Extinguishing systems
  4. Cosmetics (bismuth oxychloride)
  5. Fire detection
  6. Fuses
  7. Oxidation catalysts

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Author: Andrew Moore

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