Element 41
Niobium
Transition metals
Niobium (Nb) is in the d-block of the periodic table — group 5, period 5.
Niobium, formerly columbium, is a chemical element with symbol Nb (formerly Cb) and atomic number 41.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 41
- Atomic mass
- 92.906 u
- Group / Period
- 5 / 5
- Block
- d-block
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 8.57 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 2476.8 °C
- Boiling point
- 4743.9 °C
- Electron configuration
- [Kr] 4d4 5s1
Periodic table block
Niobium is in the d-block (group 5, period 5). Elements land in the d-block when their highest-energy electrons fill a d subshell — these are the transition metals in the middle of the table.
New to this? Periodic table blocks explained: s, p, d, and f
Common uses
- •Superconducting magnets
- •Jet engine alloys
- •Surgical implants
Discovery
Year: 1801
Discovered by: Charles Hatchett
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Niobium?
Niobium has atomic number 41. Its symbol is Nb and its atomic mass is 92.906 u.
What category of element is Niobium?
Niobium is classified as transition metals. It sits in group 5, period 5 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Niobium in?
Niobium is in the d-block (group 5, period 5). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the d subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [Kr] 4d4 5s1.
What is Niobium used for?
Common uses of Niobium include: Superconducting magnets, Jet engine alloys, Surgical implants.
When was Niobium discovered?
Niobium was discovered in 1801 by Charles Hatchett.
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