Lanthanum (La): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Lanthanum is element 57 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 3DLanthanum quick facts
| Atomic number | 57 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | La |
| Atomic mass | 138.905 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Series and period | Lanthanides, period 6 |
| Block | f-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 5d¹ 6s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 18, 9, 2 |
| Discovered | 1839, Mosander |
What is lanthanum used for?
- Camera lens glass (high refractive index)
- Nickel-metal hydride batteries (La in alloy)
- Fluid catalytic cracking catalysts
Interesting facts about lanthanum
- Named from Greek "lanthanein". "to lie hidden". Discovered hiding in cerium oxide
- Lanthanum was the first of the rare earths to give its name to a whole series: the lanthanides
- La-Ni5 (lanthanum nickel alloy) can absorb 400× its volume in hydrogen for storage
Lanthanum was discovered in 1839 by Mosander in Sweden.
Where lanthanum sits on the periodic table
Lanthanum is in the lanthanide series (period 6). Tap any element to open its page.
Other lanthanides
Lanthanum questions
What is the atomic number of lanthanum?
Lanthanum has atomic number 57, so every lanthanum atom has 57 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is La and its atomic mass is 138.905.
Is lanthanum a metal?
Lanthanum 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 lanthanum?
The electron configuration of lanthanum is [Xe] 5d¹ 6s². Its electrons sit in 6 shells: 2, 8, 18, 18, 9, 2.
What is lanthanum used for?
Lanthanum is used for camera lens glass (high refractive index), nickel-metal hydride batteries (la in alloy) and fluid catalytic cracking catalysts.
Who discovered lanthanum?
Lanthanum was discovered in 1839 by Mosander in Sweden.
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