Cerium
Lanthanide · atomic number 58
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CeCerium
Cerium is a chemical element with symbol Ce and atomic number 58. It is a soft, silvery, ductile metal which easily oxidizes in air. Cerium was named after the dwarf planet Ceres (itself named after the Roman goddess of agriculture).
Properties of Cerium
| Element category | Lanthanide |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 58 |
| Atomic mass | 140.1161 u |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Group | 3 |
| Period | 6 |
| Block | f |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f1 5d1 6s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 19, 9, 2 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.12 |
| Melting point | 1068 K (795 °C) |
| Boiling point | 3716 K (3443 °C) |
| Density | 6.77 g/cm3 |
| Discovered by | Martin Heinrich Klaproth |
← Lanthanum · Periodic table · Praseodymium → Pr
About the lanthanide group
The rare-earth “inner transition” metals that give strong permanent magnets, screen phosphors and catalyst polish.
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