Element 54
Xenon
Noble gases
Xenon (Xe) is in the p-block of the periodic table — group 18, period 5.
Xenon is a chemical element with symbol Xe and atomic number 54.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 54
- Atomic mass
- 131.294 u
- Group / Period
- 18 / 5
- Block
- p-block
- Phase at STP
- Gas
- Density
- 5.894 g/cm³
- Melting point
- -111.7 °C
- Boiling point
- -108.1 °C
- Electron configuration
- [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p6
Periodic table block
Xenon is in the p-block (group 18, period 5). Elements land in the p-block when their highest-energy electrons fill a p subshell — this region holds most nonmetals, the metalloids, and the metals on the right of the table.
New to this? Periodic table blocks explained: s, p, d, and f
Common uses
- •Car headlights
- •Anesthetics
- •Ion thrusters
Discovery
Year: 1898
Discovered by: William Ramsay
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Xenon?
Xenon has atomic number 54. Its symbol is Xe and its atomic mass is 131.294 u.
What category of element is Xenon?
Xenon is classified as noble gases. It sits in group 18, period 5 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Xenon in?
Xenon is in the p-block (group 18, period 5). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the p subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p6.
What is Xenon used for?
Common uses of Xenon include: Car headlights, Anesthetics, Ion thrusters.
When was Xenon discovered?
Xenon was discovered in 1898 by William Ramsay.
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