55 Cs 132.91

Cesium

Alkali Metal

Cesium (Cs) is a chemical element with atomic number 55, classified as a alkali metal. At room temperature it is a solid. It was discovered in 1860 by Robert Bunsen, Gustav Kirchhoff.

Properties

Atomic number
55
Atomic mass
132.91 u
Category
Alkali Metal
Group
1
Period
6
Block
s-block
Electron configuration
[Xe] 6s¹
Phase at STP
Solid
Density
1.873 g/cm³
Melting point
301.59 K (28.4 °C)
Boiling point
944 K (670.9 °C)
Electronegativity
0.79
Atomic radius
298 pm
Ionization energy
3.894 eV
Discovery
1860 · Robert Bunsen, Gustav Kirchhoff

Common uses

Atomic clocks, photoelectric cells, catalysts, drilling fluids

Did you know?

Melts in warm weather and defines the second in atomic time.