Bismuth Plate

Bismuth Plate

Bismuth, a metal element with the symbol Bi and atomic number 83, is located in group V A of the sixth period of the periodic table. The simple substance is silver white to pink metal, which is brittle and easy to crush, and the chemical properties of bismuth are relatively stable. Bismuth exists in nature in the form of free metals and minerals. Previously, bismuth was considered to be the most stable element with relative atomic mass, but in 2003, bismuth was found to have extremely weak radioactivity, and its half-life was determined to be as long as 1.9 × 1019. This means that bismuth may not undergo visible decay until mankind dies.

physical property

Cast molten bismuth

Pure bismuth is a soft metal and brittle when impure. Stable at room temperature. The main ores are bismuth pyroxene (Bi2S3) and ochre bismuth (bi2o5).

The selenide and telluride of bismuth have semiconductor properties.

Metal bismuth is a metal with silver white (pink) to light yellow luster. It is brittle and easy to crush. At room temperature, bismuth does not react with oxygen or water and is stable in the air. It has poor electrical and thermal conductivity. Previously, bismuth was considered to be the most stable element with relative atomic mass, but in 2003, bismuth showed weak radioactivity, which can be tested α It decays to thallium-205. Its half-life is about 1.9x1019 years, reaching 1 billion times the age of the universe.