Nickel is a metallic element known for its silvery-white appearance. As a transition metal, it is valued for its strength, ductility, and resistance to corrosion and heat. Understanding an element’s atomic structure begins by counting the subatomic particles—protons, electrons, and neutrons—that define its identity and mass.
Determining the Proton and Electron Count
The absolute identifier for any element is the number of protons contained within its nucleus, known as the atomic number (Z). For Nickel, this number is consistently 28. Every atom of Nickel will always possess exactly 28 protons; changing this number would fundamentally change the element.
In a neutral atom, the number of negatively charged electrons must precisely balance the number of positively charged protons to maintain zero net electrical charge. Therefore, a neutral Nickel atom contains 28 electrons. If the atom gains or loses electrons, it forms an ion, but the proton count of 28 remains constant.
Calculating Neutrons and Common Isotopes
While the proton count is fixed, the number of neutrons can vary, resulting in isotopes. The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus is called the mass number (A). To find the neutron count for a specific isotope, subtract the atomic number (Z) from the mass number (A).
Naturally occurring Nickel is a mixture of five stable isotopes, all having 28 protons but different mass numbers. The most abundant form is Nickel-58, accounting for over 68% of natural Nickel. For Nickel-58, the calculation (58 minus 28) results in 30 neutrons.
The second most common isotope, Nickel-60, has 32 neutrons (60 minus 28). The other stable forms are Nickel-61, Nickel-62, and Nickel-64, which have 33, 34, and 36 neutrons, respectively. Because the natural sample is a blend of these isotopes, the average atomic mass of Nickel is approximately 58.69 atomic mass units.
Key Properties and Uses of Nickel
Nickel is a transition metal known for its high strength and capacity to form alloys. Its resistance to corrosion and oxidation stems from its ability to form a protective oxide layer on its surface, even at high temperatures.
The majority of Nickel is used to create stainless steel and corrosion-resistant superalloys. These alloys are employed in high-stress, high-temperature applications, such as jet engines and gas turbines. Nickel is also a component in modern rechargeable batteries (NiMH and Ni-Cd types), coinage, and plating other metals.