Cerium (Ce)
Cerium is the most abundant rare earth element and is used in catalytic converters and self-cleaning ovens.
Properties of Cerium
- Atomic number
- 58
- Category
- Lanthanide
- Atomic mass
- 140.12 u
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s²
- Melting point
- 1068 K (794.85 °C)
- Boiling point
- 3716 K (3442.85 °C)
- Density
- 6.77 g/cm³
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 1.12
- Appearance
- Silvery-white metal
- Discovered by
- Martin Heinrich Klaproth (1803)
Facts about Cerium
- Cerium is named after the dwarf planet Ceres!
- Cerium is used in self-cleaning ovens to break down grease!
- Cerium sparks when struck — it's used in lighter flints!
- Cerium is the most abundant of all the rare earth elements!