Nb
92.906Niobium
Niyobyum
Niobium is a transition metal with atomic number 41. It is important in high-strength low-alloy steel, niobium-titanium superconducting magnets, Nb₃Sn conductors, jet-engine alloys and optical materials.
41
92.906 g/mol
[Kr] 4d⁴ 5s¹
2 | 8 | 18 | 12 | 1
1.6
8.57 g/cm³
2476.8 °C
4743.9 °C
Charles Hatchett
Niobium was discovered in 1801 by Charles Hatchett in columbite and was first called columbium. Heinrich Rose later distinguished it from tantalum and proposed the name niobium, which IUPAC adopted officially.
Niobium-93
Natural abundance: 100%. The only stable naturally occurring isotope of niobium.Nb₂O₅
Niobium PentoxideOptical glass additive, capacitor material and precursor for niobium compounds.NbC
Niobium CarbideHard ceramic used in cutting tools and high-temperature materials.LiNbO₃
Lithium NiobateElectro-optic crystal used in optical modulators, waveguides and sensors.Nb₃Sn
Niobium-TinSuperconducting material used in high-field magnets.- Ferroniobium in high-strength low-alloy steel for pipelines, bridges and vehicles
- Niobium-titanium superconducting magnets in MRI scanners and particle accelerators
- Nb₃Sn superconductors for high-field magnets
- High-temperature alloys for aerospace and jet-engine components
- Niobium oxide in optical glass, capacitors and specialty ceramics
Niobium has no known essential biological role.
- Niobium has the electron configuration [Kr] 4d⁴ 5s¹, an exception from a simple filling pattern.
- Small niobium additions can greatly strengthen steel without adding much weight.
- Niobium-titanium wires are widely used in superconducting MRI and accelerator magnets.
- The older name columbium is still encountered in some industrial contexts.
- Niobium has atomic number 41 and belongs to group 5.
- Its electron configuration is [Kr] 4d⁴ 5s¹.
- The most common oxidation state is +5, as in Nb₂O₅.
- Niobium-93 makes natural niobium monoisotopic.
What is the atomic number of niobium?
The atomic number of niobium is 41.
What is the electron configuration of niobium?
Niobium has the electron configuration [Kr] 4d⁴ 5s¹.
What is niobium used for?
Niobium is used in high-strength steel, superconducting magnets, aerospace alloys, optical glass and specialty compounds.
Why is niobium used in superconducting magnets?
Niobium alloys such as Nb-Ti and Nb₃Sn can become superconducting at low temperatures and carry large currents in strong magnets.
What is the difference between niobium and columbium?
Columbium is the older name for niobium. The official IUPAC name is niobium.
Is niobium monoisotopic?
Yes. Natural niobium consists essentially of stable niobium-93.