Sr
Strontium
Element 38 · 87.62 u
Strontium is known for producing bright red colors in fireworks and flares.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 87.62 u |
| Density | 2.64 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1050.0 K |
| Boiling Point | 1655.0 K |
| Appearance | Silvery-white yellowish metallic |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 0.95 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 549.5 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | 5.03 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | +1, +2 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [Kr] 5s2 |
| Atomic Radius | 215.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 195.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 249.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Adair Crawford |
| Discovery Year | 1790 |
| Location | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Named After | Strontian, a village in Scotland |
About Strontium
Strontium is a soft, silvery-white metal that turns yellow in air. Its compounds burn crimson. The radioactive isotope strontium-90 is a dangerous component of nuclear fallout.
Uses & Applications
Fireworks and flares (red color), ferrite magnets, CRT glass, toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and bone cancer treatment.
Fun Fact
Strontium-90 is one of the most dangerous nuclear fallout components because it mimics calcium and is absorbed into bones.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 84 | 0.0056% | - | Yes |
| 86 | 0.0986% | - | Yes |
| 87 | 0.07% | - | Yes |
| 88 | 0.8258% | - | Yes |
Electron Configuration
[Kr] 5s2