Cerium (Ce)
Cerium (Ce, element 58) is a lanthanide in period 6. Atomic mass 140.116, electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s², uses and facts.
About Cerium
Cerium is a lanthanide with the symbol Ce and atomic number 58. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in period 6 of the periodic table. Cerium was discovered in 1803 by Jöns Jacob Berzelius.
Cerium key facts
- Atomic number: 58
- Symbol: Ce
- Atomic mass: 140.116 u
- Category: lanthanide
- Group: none (f-block)
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.12
- Melting point: 1068 K (794.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 3716 K (3442.85 °C)
- Density: 6.77 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +2, +3, +4
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of cerium is [Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of cerium
- Catalytic converters
- Lighter flints
- Glass polishing
Did you know?
Cerium is the most abundant rare earth element. Flints in lighters are made of cerium alloy.
Neighbouring elements
- Lanthanum (La)
- Praseodymium (Pr)
- Lanthanum (La)
- Praseodymium (Pr)
- Neodymium (Nd)
- Promethium (Pm)
- Samarium (Sm)
- Europium (Eu)
- Gadolinium (Gd)
- Terbium (Tb)
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of cerium?
The atomic number of cerium is 58, which means every cerium atom has 58 protons.
What is the electron configuration of cerium?
The electron configuration of cerium is [Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s².
What group and period is cerium in?
Cerium is a lanthanide in period 6.
What state is cerium at room temperature?
Cerium is a solid at room temperature.
What is cerium used for?
Cerium is used for catalytic converters, lighter flints, glass polishing.