Atomic Number
41
Element 41
Niobium (Nb)
Niobium is a chemical element with symbol Nb and atomic number 41. It is a soft, grey, crystalline, ductile transition metal, often found in the minerals pyrochlore and columbite.
Atomic Mass
92.906 u
Category
Transition Metal
Period
5
Group
Group 5: vanadium group
Phase
solid
Density
8.57 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 12, 1
Atomic Structure
Protons: 41. Electrons: 41. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s¹ 4d⁴
Why Niobium Matters
Niobium helps connect atomic number 41, transition metal behavior, period 5 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 92.906 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s¹ 4d⁴ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Niobium was discovered 1801 by Charles Hatchett. Niobium is a chemical element with symbol Nb and atomic number 41. It is a soft, grey, crystalline, ductile transition metal, often found in the minerals pyrochlore and columbite.
Safety and Handling Context
Niobium is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Niobium?
- Niobium has atomic number 41, which means a neutral atom has 41 protons and 41 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Niobium?
- The chemical symbol for Niobium is Nb.
- What category is Niobium in?
- Niobium is classified as a transition metal and sits in period 5 of the periodic table.
Explore Niobium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Niobium to neighboring elements without losing your place.