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.