Cerium metal is a chemical element with the symbol Ce and atomic number 58. Its name is pronounced /ˈsɪəriəm ˈmɛtəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with the "s" sound as in "sit," followed by the "ear" sound as in "dear," and then the "ee" sound as in "bee." The second syllable is pronounced with the "m" sound as in "meat," followed by the "uh" sound as in "the," and then the "l" sound as in "leap." Cerium metal is commonly used in the manufacturing of catalytic converters for cars and in the production of glass and ceramics.
Cerium metal is a chemical element represented by the symbol Ce and the atomic number 58. It belongs to the lanthanide series and is a member of the rare earth metals group. Cerium metal is characterized by its silvery-white appearance, and it is relatively soft and malleable. It has a high melting point of 795 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 3426 degrees Celsius.
Cerium metal is commonly found in minerals such as monazite, bastnäsite, and cerite. It is primarily obtained through a complex process known as solvent extraction or ion exchange from these mineral sources. The metal is also present in small amounts in some other minerals and ores.
One of the most significant properties of cerium metal is its ability to oxidize and reduce easily. It can exist in multiple oxidation states, with +3 and +4 being the most common. This unique property of cerium makes it useful in various industrial applications, such as catalytic converters in automobiles, glass manufacturing, and electronic components.
Cerium metal has several important uses. In catalytic converters, it helps to convert harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide into less harmful substances. In glass manufacturing, it acts as a decolorizing agent, removing the greenish tint caused by iron impurities. Cerium-based compounds are also used in the production of semiconductors, TV screens, and fluorescent lamps.
Overall, cerium metal is a versatile element with numerous applications across industries, owing to its distinct chemical properties and abundant availability in various minerals.
The word "cerium" is derived from the asteroid Ceres, which was discovered in 1801. The element cerium was first discovered in 1803 by Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius and Swedish mineralogist Wilhelm Hisinger. They named the element after the asteroid Ceres as a tribute to their discovery and the similarity in properties between the two. The term "metal" refers to the fact that cerium is a metallic chemical element.