57 La 138.91

Lanthanum

Lanthanide

Lanthanum (La) is a chemical element with atomic number 57, classified as a lanthanide. At room temperature it is a solid. It was discovered in 1839 by Carl Gustaf Mosander.

Properties

Atomic number
57
Atomic mass
138.91 u
Category
Lanthanide
Group
3
Period
6
Block
f-block
Electron configuration
[Xe] 5d¹ 6s²
Phase at STP
Solid
Density
6.145 g/cm³
Melting point
1193 K (919.9 °C)
Boiling point
3737 K (3463.8 °C)
Electronegativity
1.1
Atomic radius
226 pm
Ionization energy
5.577 eV
Discovery
1839 · Carl Gustaf Mosander

Common uses

Camera lenses, catalysts, batteries, studio lighting

Did you know?

First of the lanthanides and essential for high-quality camera lenses.