58 Ce 140.12

Cerium

Lanthanide

Cerium (Ce) is a chemical element with atomic number 58, classified as a lanthanide. At room temperature it is a solid. It was discovered in 1803 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth, Jöns Jacob Berzelius.

Properties

Atomic number
58
Atomic mass
140.12 u
Category
Lanthanide
Group
0
Period
6
Block
f-block
Electron configuration
[Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s²
Phase at STP
Solid
Density
6.77 g/cm³
Melting point
1068 K (794.9 °C)
Boiling point
3716 K (3442.8 °C)
Electronegativity
1.12
Atomic radius
210 pm
Ionization energy
5.539 eV
Discovery
1803 · Martin Heinrich Klaproth, Jöns Jacob Berzelius

Common uses

Catalytic converters, glass polishing, lighter flints, self-cleaning ovens

Did you know?

Most abundant rare earth element and used in self-cleaning ovens.