Periodic table / Cerium

Overview

Cerium is a chemical element with symbol Ce and atomic number 58. It is a soft, silvery, ductile metal which easily oxidizes in air. Cerium was named after the dwarf planet Ceres (itself named after the Roman goddess of agriculture).

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Cerium is [Xe] 4f1 5d1 6s2, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 19, 9, 2.

Physical and chemical properties

Cerium is classified as a lanthanide. It has an atomic mass of 140.116 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery white.

Real-world uses of Cerium

Cerium, a lanthanide, is used in magnets, electronics, lighting, and other specialized high-tech applications.

Interesting facts about Cerium

• Cerium has the atomic number 58 and chemical symbol Ce.
• It belongs to period 6, group 3 of the periodic table.
• Cerium was discovered by Martin Heinrich Klaproth.

Explore Cerium interactively

Want to compare Cerium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Ce to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.