Nickel (Ni): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Nickel is element 28 on the periodic table, a transition metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DNickel quick facts
| Atomic number | 28 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ni |
| Atomic mass | 58.693 |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 10, period 4 |
| Block | d-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d⁸ 4s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 16, 2 |
| Discovered | 1751, Cronstedt |
What is nickel used for?
- Nickel alloys for jet engines & gas turbines
- Stainless steel alloying
- Electroplating protective coatings
Interesting facts about nickel
- The US 5-cent coin (nickel) is 75% copper and only 25% nickel
- Nickel is the main metal in Earth's core after iron
- Meteorites often contain significant nickel. One sign of an iron meteorite
Nickel was discovered in 1751 by Cronstedt in Sweden.
Where nickel sits on the periodic table
Nickel is in group 10, period 4. Tap any element to open its page.
Other transition metals
Nickel questions
What is the atomic number of nickel?
Nickel has atomic number 28, so every nickel atom has 28 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Ni and its atomic mass is 58.693.
Is nickel a metal?
Nickel is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 10, period 4.
What is the electron configuration of nickel?
The electron configuration of nickel is [Ar] 3d⁸ 4s². Its electrons sit in 4 shells: 2, 8, 16, 2.
What is nickel used for?
Nickel is used for nickel alloys for jet engines & gas turbines, stainless steel alloying and electroplating protective coatings.
Who discovered nickel?
Nickel was discovered in 1751 by Cronstedt in Sweden.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.