Cesium
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(Redirected from Caesium)
| Cesium | |
|---|---|
| Name | Cesium |
| Symbol | Cs |
| Atomic number | 55 |
| Atomic mass | 132.9 amu |
| Normal state | solid/liquid |
| Classification | Alkali metal |
| Crystal structure | Body-Centered Cubic |
| Color | Yellow-Silver |
| Date of discovery | 1860 |
| Name of discoverer | Bunsen, R.W. and Kirchoff, G. |
| Name origin | From the Latin Caesius, meaning "sky blue" |
| Uses | removing air traces in vacuum tubes |
| Obtained from | lepidolite, pollucite |
Cesium is an element[1]in the Alkali metals class of the periodic table. It is so chemically active that it is never found free (in elemental form) in nature, and catches fire on mere exposure to air and explodes on contact with water.
Cesium is a key component in atomic clocks. [1]
It was discovered by Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchoff, using their newly invented spectroscope, and was the first element to be discovered spectroscopically. It (along with rubidium) was identified by a previously unseen blue spectral line in the analysis of mineral water from a German spa. The name comes from that color.
References
- ↑ Wile, Dr. Jay L. Exploring Creation With Physical Science. Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc. 1999, 2000
