Xenon (Xe)
Xenon (Xe) is element 54, a noble gas. Atomic mass 131.293, configuration [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁶. Properties, isotopes, oxidation states, uses and history, with an interactive 3D atom model.
Key facts
| Atomic number | 54 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Xe |
| Standard atomic weight | 131.293(6) |
| Category | Noble Gas |
| Group | 18 |
| Period | 5 |
| State at room temperature | Gas |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁶ |
| Valence electrons | 8 |
| Common oxidation states | +2, +4, +6 |
| Common ions | No common ions |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.6 |
| First ionization energy | 1170 kJ/mol |
| Density | 5.366 g/L |
| Melting point | -111.74°C |
| Boiling point | -108.12°C |
| Specific heat | 0.158 J/(g·°C) |
Natural isotopes
- Xe-124: Stable
- Xe-126: Stable
- Xe-128: Stable
- Xe-129: Stable
- Xe-130: Stable
- Xe-131: Stable
- Xe-132: Stable
- Xe-134: Stable
- Xe-136: Stable
Common uses
- Ion propulsion engines (satellites)
- High-intensity strobe lights
- General anesthetic
Where it matters
- Space Propulsion (Ion thrusters)
- Medical Anesthesia
Hazards
- Asphyxiant
- compounds (e.g., oxides) can be explosive
History
| Discovered | 1898 |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | William Ramsay & Morris Travers |
| Name | From Greek xenos (stranger) |