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For photoelectric cells. | Atomic Number: | 55 | Atomic Symbol: | Cs | | Atomic Weight: | 132.9054 | Electron Configuration: | 2-8-18-18-8-1 | | Shells: | 2,8,18,18,8,1 | Filling Orbital: | 6s1 | | Melting Point: | 28.5oC | Boiling Point: | 678.4oC | | Description: | Soft light silvery-white alkali metal. | | Uses: | Used as a getter to remove air traces in vacuum tubes.
Since it
ionizes readily,
it is used as an ion rocket motor propellant. |
History(L. caesius, sky blue) Cesium was discovered spectroscopically
by Bunsen and Kirchhoff in 1860 in mineral water from Durkheim.
SourcesCesium, an alkali metal, occurs in lepidolite, pollucte (a
hydrated silicate of aluminum and cesium), and in other sources. One of the
world's richest sources of cesium is located at Bernic Lake, Manitoba. The
deposits are estimated to contain 300,000 tons of pollucite, averaging 20%
cesium.
It can be isolated by elecytrolysis of the fused cyanide and by a number of
other methods. Very pure, gas-free cesium can be prepared by thermal
decomposition of cesium azide.
Properties- The metal is characterized by a spectrum containing two bright lines in the
blue along with several others in the red, yellow, and green. It is silvery
white, soft, and ductile.
- It is the most electropositive and most alkaline element.
- Cesium, gallium, andmercury are
the only three metals that are liquid at room temperature.
- Cesium reacts explosively with cold water, and reacts with ice at
temperatures above -116C.
- Cesium hydroxide, the strongest base known, attacks glass.
Uses- Because of it has great affinity for oxygen, the metal is used as a "getter"
in electron tubes.
- It is also used in photoelectric cells, as well as a catalyst in the
hydrogenation of certain organic compounds.
- The metal has recently found application in ion propulsion systems.
- Cesium is used in atomic clocks, which are accurate to 5 s in 300 years.
- Its chief compounds are the chloride and the nitrate.
IsotopeCesium has more isotopes than any element--32--with masses
ranging from 114 to 145.
CostsThe present price of cesium is about $30/g
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