Friday, October 4, 2013

Cesium ( Alkali metal )


  • Cesium was discovered by Robert Bunsen and Gustar Kirchoff in 1860. From Latin word caesius (mean- Sky blue).
  • Cesium metal is extremely reactive.
  • Cesium is the least electronegative element with a stable isotopes.
  • Cesium is found in the minerals pollucite and lepidolite.
  • Cesium form alloy with other alkali metals and amalgam with gold.
Symbol                                -  Cs
Atomic number                  -  55
Number of electrons          - 2, 8, 18, 18, 8, 1
Electronic configuration  - [ Xenon ] 6s1
Melting point                     -  301.5 K
Boiling point                     - 944 K
Atomic weight                   -  132.905

Atomic Structure:


Uses:

  • Cesium is used in photoelectric cells, vaccum tubes and IR lams.
  • Cesium is used in atomic clocks.
  • Cesium hydroxide is used in etch silicon.
  • It is used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of few organic compounds.
  • Cesium vapour is used in many common magnetometers.
  • It is also used in chemical and medical uses.
  • Cs-137 is a radioisotope used as a gamma emitter in industrial application.
  • Cs-137 is also used in hydrologic studies.
  • Cesium nitrate is used as an oxidizer and pyrotechnic colorants, to burn silicon in infrared flares.

No comments:

Post a Comment