Cerium (Ce): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Cerium is element 58 on the periodic table, a lanthanide, so it is a metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DCerium quick facts
| Atomic number | 58 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ce |
| Atomic mass | 140.116 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Series and period | Lanthanides, period 6 |
| Block | f-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 19, 9, 2 |
| Discovered | 1803, Berzelius |
What is cerium used for?
- Catalytic converter oxygen storage
- Cerium oxide glass polishing compound
- Self-cleaning oven coatings
Interesting facts about cerium
- Cerium is the most abundant rare earth element. More common than copper
- Lighter flints are ferrocerium, a cerium-iron alloy. The sparks when struck
- Cerium oxide nanoparticles show promise as antioxidants that protect cells from radiation damage
Cerium was discovered in 1803 by Berzelius in Sweden.
Where cerium sits on the periodic table
Cerium is in the lanthanide series (period 6). Tap any element to open its page.
Other lanthanides
Cerium questions
What is the atomic number of cerium?
Cerium has atomic number 58, so every cerium atom has 58 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Ce and its atomic mass is 140.116.
Is cerium a metal?
Cerium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a lanthanide, found in the lanthanide series (period 6).
What is the electron configuration of cerium?
The electron configuration of cerium is [Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s². Its electrons sit in 6 shells: 2, 8, 18, 19, 9, 2.
What is cerium used for?
Cerium is used for catalytic converter oxygen storage, cerium oxide glass polishing compound and self-cleaning oven coatings.
Who discovered cerium?
Cerium was discovered in 1803 by Berzelius in Sweden.
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