Niobium (symbol Nb, atomic number 41) is a metal that forms powerful superconducting magnets for MRI machines. It is classified as a transition metal and sits in group 5, period 5 of the periodic table.
Overview
Niobium is the chemical element with atomic number 41 and the symbol Nb. With a standard atomic weight of 92.906, it is a transition metal. In the periodic table it occupies group 5 and period 5, and under standard conditions it is normally a solid. Niobium is a metal that forms powerful superconducting magnets for MRI machines.
Atomic structure
An atom of Niobium has 41 protons in its nucleus and, when neutral, 41 electrons arranged in the configuration [Kr] 4d4 5s1. Its standard atomic weight of 92.906 reflects the natural mix of its stable isotopes.
Discovery and place in the table
Niobium was discovered in 1801 by Charles Hatchett. It follows Zirconium (Zr) and precedes Molybdenum (Mo) in order of atomic number.
| Atomic number | 41 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Nb |
| Atomic mass | 92.906 |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Group | 5 |
| Period | 5 |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d4 5s1 |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Discovered | 1801 (Charles Hatchett) |