Atomic Number
54
Element 54
Xenon (Xe)
Xenon is a chemical element with symbol Xe and atomic number 54. It is a colorless, dense, odorless noble gas found in the Earth's atmosphere in trace amounts.
Atomic Mass
131.29 u
Category
Noble Gas
Period
5
Group
Group 18: noble gases
Phase
gas
Density
0.005894 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 18, 8
Atomic Structure
Protons: 54. Electrons: 54. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶
Why Xenon Matters
Xenon helps connect atomic number 54, noble gas behavior, period 5 trends, and electron shell structure. Its gas phase, atomic mass of 131.29 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Xenon was discovered 1898 by William Ramsay, Morris Travers. Xenon is a chemical element with symbol Xe and atomic number 54. It is a colorless, dense, odorless noble gas found in the Earth's atmosphere in trace amounts.
Safety and Handling Context
Xenon is a noble gas and is generally chemically inert. The main safety concern for many gases is displacement of breathable air in confined spaces.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Xenon?
- Xenon has atomic number 54, which means a neutral atom has 54 protons and 54 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Xenon?
- The chemical symbol for Xenon is Xe.
- What category is Xenon in?
- Xenon is classified as a noble gas and sits in period 5 of the periodic table.
Explore Xenon in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Xenon to neighboring elements without losing your place.