What is Bismuth?
{{Infobox bismuth}} [[File:Bismuth-3.jpg|thumb|Bismuth]] '''Bismuth''' is a [[chemical element]]. It is element 83 on the [[periodic table]] and its symbol is ''Bi''. Its [[atomic mass]] is 209. It is only slightly [[radioactive]]. The radioactivity is minimal so it is typically seen as nonradioactive. Bismuth is only naturally found as one [[isotope]], which is the almost nonradioactive one. Its radioactivity was [[wikt:predict|predicted]] by scientists and proven by analyzing the metal. It is in [[Group 15 element|Group 15]] on the periodic table. ==Properties== === Physical properties === [[File:Bi-crystal.jpg|thumb|Bismuth crystals can have a thin layer of bismuth(III) oxide on the outside that is very colorful.]] Bismuth is a silver [[metal]] with a pink tinge to it. This pink color is because of its [[oxide]] coating. Bismuth is a [[post-transition metal]]. It is one of the strongest [[diamagnetism|diamagnetic]] metals. It is almost as heavy as [[lead]]. It is quite [[wikt:brittle|brittle]]. It can make [[crystal]]s with a shiny surface. Its melting point is quite low: {{convert|271.5|C|F}}, which is normal for post-transition metals. As a [[liquid]] it is denser and has a smaller volume than as a [[solid]]. Another chemical that does this is water. It does not conduct [[electricity]] or heat very well. ===Chemical properties=== Bismuth is somewhat similar to [[antimony]]. Bismuth makes a thin coating of [[bismuth(III) oxide]] when it is in air. This makes the colors on the crystals. It does not [[oxidation|oxidize]] any more than the oxide layer. It burns when powdered with a bright blue flame, making yellow bismuth(III) oxide fumes. Bismuth also reacts with [[sulfur]], when molten. Bismuth reacts with [[nitric acid]] to make [[bismuth(III) nitrate]] and concentrated [[sulfuric acid]] to make [[bismuth(III) sulfate]] and [[sulfur dioxide]]. It reacts with [[halogen]]s to make bismuth(III) halides but with fluorine it makes [[bismuth(V) fluoride]] unless the fluorine is diluted. ===Chemical