Cerium (Ce) — Lanthanide. Atomic number 58.
Soft silvery metal
- Atomic number: 58
- Symbol: Ce
- Atomic mass: 140.12 u
- Category: Lanthanide
- State: Solid
- Melting point: 797.85 °C / 1071 K
- Boiling point: 3423.85 °C / 3697 K
- Density: 6.77 g/cm³ (20°C)
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f1 5d1 6s2
- Oxidation states: +3, +4
- Electronegativity: 1.12
- Discovered by: Jöns Jacob Berzelius and Wilhelm Hisinger (1803)
Common uses: Catalytic converters, Glass polishing, Lighter flints
Biological role: No known biological role.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cerium
What is the atomic number of cerium?
Cerium has an atomic number of 58, meaning each atom contains 58 protons in its nucleus.
What is the atomic mass of cerium?
The standard atomic weight of cerium is 140.12 u (unified atomic mass units).
What category does cerium belong to?
Cerium is classified as a lanthanide.
What is the state of cerium at room temperature?
Cerium is a solid at 20 °C (68 °F).
What is the melting point of cerium?
The melting point of cerium is 797.85 °C / 1071 K.
What is the boiling point of cerium?
The boiling point of cerium is 3423.85 °C / 3697 K.
What is the density of cerium?
The density of cerium is 6.77 g/cm³ (20°C).
What is the electronegativity of cerium?
Cerium has a Pauling electronegativity of 1.12.
What is the electron configuration of cerium?
The electron configuration of cerium is [Xe] 4f1 5d1 6s2.
What are the common oxidation states of cerium?
Cerium commonly exhibits the following oxidation states: +3, +4.
When was cerium discovered?
Cerium was discovered in 1803 by Jöns Jacob Berzelius and Wilhelm Hisinger.
Is cerium radioactive?
Cerium is a stable element with no naturally occurring radioactive isotopes.
What is the biological role of cerium?
No known biological role.
What are the common uses of cerium?
Cerium is used for: Catalytic converters; Glass polishing; Lighter flints.
