Cerium

Cerium
Symbol Ce
Atomic Number 58
Atomic Mass 140.116 g.mol -1
Discovered by Jöns Jacob Berzelius and Wilhelm Hisinger in 1803 

Chemical Properties of Cerium

Group Lanthanides Melting point 799°C, 1470°F, 1072 K
Period 6 Boiling point 3443°C, 6229°F, 3716 K
Block f Density (g cm−3) 6.77
Atomic number 58 Relative atomic mass 140.116
State at 20°C Solid Key isotopes 140Ce
Electron configuration [Xe]4f5d6s2 CAS number 7440-45-1
ChemSpider ID 22411 ChemSpider is a free chemical structure database.

What is Cerium?

  • Cerium is a soft, malleable, ductile metal with an atomic number of 58 and is represented by the symbol Ce in the Periodic Table.

Uses of Cerium

  • Cerium is the key component of mischmetal alloy which is used in flints for cigarette lighters. The reason for it is cerium produces sparks when struck.
  • Used in the manufacture of arc lamps, and incandescent mantles for gas lighting.
  • Acts as a catalyst in the conversion process of nitrogen oxide to nitrogen.
  • Cerium sulfide is used as a pigment as it has a rich red colour.
  • Used in almost all colour televisions and energy-saving lamps.

Properties of Cerium

  • It reacts readily in the air and tarnishes gradually. It oxidizes rapidly in hot water, and slowly in cold water and dissolves in the acids.
  • Cerium is one of the most abundant among the rare earth elements.
  • It is found in lanthanides and makes about 0.0046% of Earth’s crust weight.
  • World’s production of cerium marks up to 23000 tonnes a year which may increase as more cerium is used nowadays.
  • Cerium has no biological role.

Certain Health Facts About Cerium

  • Cerium is most dangerous in the working environment due to the fact that gases and DAMPs can be inhaled with air.
  • Constant exposure to Cerium may cause lung problems and other serious diseases.
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