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Cerium (Ce) – Element 58 of the periodic table

Cerium (symbol Ce) is element number 58 of the periodic table and belongs to the “Lanthanide” category. Its atomic mass is about 140.12, and its phase under standard conditions is Solid. This element sits in period 6 and the f-block (Lanthanides) of the periodic table, and its electrons are arranged in shells of 2, 8, 18, 19, 9, 2. The short electron configuration of Cerium is [Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s². Known uses of Cerium include Automotive catalyst, Sandpaper and Glassmaking.

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Properties of Cerium

Atomic number
58
Chemical symbol
Ce
Atomic mass
140.12
Category
Lanthanide
Period
6
Block
f
Phase
Solid
Protons
58
Electrons
58
Neutrons (approx.)
82
Electron shells
2, 8, 18, 19, 9, 2
Outer-shell electrons
2
Discovered
Martin Heinrich Klaproth (1803)

Electron configuration of Cerium

The electron configuration of Cerium (Ce), with 58 electrons, is shown below. The last shell (shell 6) is highlighted:

Full configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 4f¹ 5s² 5p⁶ 5d¹ 6s²
Short configuration
[Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s²
Last shell
6s²

What is electron configuration and how is it written?

Electron shells of Cerium

Distribution of 58 electrons of Cerium across shells K to P:

  1. K2
  2. L8
  3. M18
  4. N19
  5. O9
  6. P2

What is a lanthanide?

The lanthanides are the 15 elements from lanthanum to lutetium, part of the f-block, with very similar chemical properties; they are often grouped among the “rare earths”.

Uses of Cerium

Frequently asked questions about Cerium

What is the atomic number of Cerium?

The atomic number of Cerium (Ce) is 58; that is, every atom of it has 58 protons.

What is the electron configuration of Cerium?

The electron configuration of Cerium (Ce) is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 4f¹ 5s² 5p⁶ 5d¹ 6s²; in short form it is [Xe] 4f¹ 5d¹ 6s², and its last shell is 6s².

What is the chemical symbol of Cerium?

The chemical symbol of Cerium is Ce.

Where is Cerium located in the periodic table?

Cerium is located in period 6 and the f-block (Lanthanides) and belongs to the “Lanthanide” category.

What is the atomic mass of Cerium?

The atomic mass of Cerium is about 140.12 (atomic mass units).

What is the phase of Cerium under normal conditions?

The phase of Cerium under standard conditions is Solid.

What are the uses of Cerium?

Uses of Cerium include Automotive catalyst, Sandpaper and Glassmaking.

Who discovered Cerium?

Cerium was discovered by Martin Heinrich Klaproth in 1803.

Elements in the same category as Cerium (Lanthanide)

Lanthanum (La)Praseodymium (Pr)Neodymium (Nd)Promethium (Pm)Samarium (Sm)Europium (Eu)Gadolinium (Gd)Terbium (Tb)Dysprosium (Dy)Holmium (Ho)Erbium (Er)Thulium (Tm)Ytterbium (Yb)Lutetium (Lu)

See all Lanthanides