Ce
Cerium is the most abundant rare earth element, used in catalytic converters and glass polishing.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 140.12 u |
| Density | 6.77 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1068.0 K |
| Boiling Point | 3716.0 K |
| Appearance | Silvery-white metallic |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 1.12 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 534.4 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | 55.0 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | +3, +4 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [Xe] 4f1 5d1 6s2 |
| Atomic Radius | 181.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 204.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 235.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Jons Jacob Berzelius, Wilhelm Hisinger |
| Discovery Year | 1803 |
| Location | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Named After | Named after the dwarf planet Ceres |
About Cerium
Cerium is a soft, silvery, ductile metal about as common as copper. It can switch between +3 and +4 oxidation states. Cerium oxide is an important catalyst.
Uses & Applications
Catalytic converters, glass polishing, self-cleaning ovens, lighter flints, and UV-absorbing glass.
Fun Fact
Despite being called 'rare earth,' cerium is more abundant in Earth's crust than copper, lead, or tin.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 136 | 0.00185% | - | Yes |
| 138 | 0.00251% | - | Yes |
| 140 | 0.8845% | - | Yes |
| 142 | 0.11114% | - | Yes |
Electron Configuration
[Xe] 4f1 5d1 6s2