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

Group Lanthanides Melting point 920°C, 1688°F, 1193 K
Period 6 Boiling point 3464°C, 6267°F, 3737 K
Block d Density (g cm−3) 6.15
Atomic number 57 Relative atomic mass 138.91
State at 20°C Solid Key isotopes 139La
Electron configuration [Xe]5d6s2 CAS number 7439-91-0
ChemSpider ID 22369 ChemSpider is a free chemical structure database.

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.
Related Elements
Rubidium Ruthenium Antimony Cerium
Strontium Rhodium Tellurium Praseodymium
Yttrium Palladium Iodine Neodymium
Zirconium Silver Xenon Promethium
Niobium Cadmium Cesium Samarium
Molybdenum Indium Barium Europium
Technetium Tin Gadolinium


Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Q1

What is the melting point of Lanthanum?

920oC
Q2

Lanthanum belongs to which family?

This element is from the Lanthanide series of elements.
Q3

Write the electronic configuration of Lanthanum.

[Xe]5d1 6s2
Q4

Lanthanum is a radioactive metal. True or False?

False
Q5

What is the boiling point of Lanthanum?

3464oC
Q6

What is the colour of La?

It is a silvery-white metal and also it is soft,malleable and ductile.
Test your Knowledge on Lanthanum!

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