Lanthanum

Lanthanum

Symbol	La
Atomic Number	57
Atomic Mass	138.91 g.mol -1
Discovered by	Carl Gustav Mosander in 1839

Table of Contents

• Chemical Properties of Lanthanum
• What is Lanthanum?
• Uses of Lanthanum
• Properties of Lanthanum
• Certain Health facts about Lanthanum
• Frequently Asked Questions

Chemical Properties of Lanthanum

What is Lanthanum?

• Lanthanum is a chemical element with an atomic number of 57 and is represented by the symbol La in the Periodic Table.

Uses of Lanthanum

• The chemical Lanthanum is found in modern television sets, the energy saving lamps, fluorescent tubes, etc.
• It is used in the field of optics as lenses and radiation absorbing glasses.
• It is known to increase the resistivity and malleability of steel.
• It is also used for catalysis in the field of petroleum refineries.
• It is used in the production of catalysts and also in the polishing of glass.

Properties of Lanthanum

• It is found abundantly in the environment.
• It appears like a white- silvery metal.
• This metal is soft in nature and also active and ductile.
• On reaction with water, this metal oxidizes forming its hydroxide.
• The salts of Lanthanum are insoluble in water.
• About 12.000 tonnes of lanthanum are produced worldwide every year.

Certain Health Facts About Lanthanum

• The main problem with this element is its disposal. The industrial wastes getting dumped in to the water bodies mainly the petroleum producing industry.
• It produces severe damage to plants and animals and also causes nervous system disorder in humans.