Rubidium (Rb) — Element Properties, Uses & Facts
Overview
Rubidium is a chemical element with symbol Rb and atomic number 37. Rubidium is a soft, silvery-white metallic element of the alkali metal group, with an atomic mass of 85.4678. Elemental rubidium is highly reactive, with properties similar to those of other alkali metals, such as very rapid oxidation in air.
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of Rubidium is [Kr] 5s1, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 8, 1.
Physical and chemical properties
Rubidium is classified as a alkali metal. It has an atomic mass of 85.468 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as grey white.
Real-world uses of Rubidium
Like other alkali metals, Rubidium is highly reactive and is mainly studied and used in chemical research, battery technology, and specialized industrial compounds rather than in its pure metallic form.
Interesting facts about Rubidium
- Rubidium has the atomic number 37 and chemical symbol Rb.
- It belongs to period 5, group 1 of the periodic table.
- Rubidium was discovered by Robert Bunsen.
Explore Rubidium interactively
Want to compare Rubidium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Rb to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.
What is Rubidium used for?
Like other alkali metals, Rubidium is highly reactive and is mainly studied and used in chemical research, battery technology, and specialized industrial compounds rather than in its pure metallic form.
What is the atomic number of Rubidium?
The atomic number of Rubidium is 37, meaning it has 37 protons in its nucleus.
What is the electron configuration of Rubidium?
The electron configuration of Rubidium is [Kr] 5s1.
Is Rubidium a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Rubidium is classified as a alkali metal.