Caesium
Contents
Key Stage 2
Meaning
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Caesium is a Group 1 element, on the Periodic Table, with an atomic number of 55.
About Caesium
Molecular Structure
- Caesium has the chemical symbol Cs.
- Caesium atoms join together in large numbers to form a giant metal molecule.
Atomic Structure
- Caesium as 55 protons and 78 neutrons in its nucleus giving it an Atomic Number of 55 and an atomic mass of 133.
- An atom of Caesium has only 1 electron in its outer shell.
Properties
- Caesium is a more reactive alkali metal than Rubidium but less reactive than Francium.
- Caesium is more reactive than Carbon on the reactivity series so it must be extracted from its ore using electrolysis.
- Caesium oxidises extremely quickly in the presence of Oxygen so it must be stored in a completely sealed container.
- Caesium reacts explosively with water to produce Hydrogen gas and Caesium Hydroxide.
- Caesium is a solid at room temperature.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Caesium is a Group 1 element, on the Periodic Table, with 55 protons in the nucleus.
About Caesium
Molecular Structure
- Caesium has the chemical symbol Cs.
- Caesium atoms join together in a giant metallic structure.
Atomic Structure
- The most stable isotope of Caesium has 78 neutrons in its nucleus giving it an atomic mass of 133.
- An atom of Caesium has only 1 electron in its outer shell.
- Caesium ions have lost an electron to become positively charged.
Properties
- Caesium is a more reactive alkali metal than Rubidium but less reactive than Francium.
- Caesium is more reactive than Carbon on the reactivity series so it must be extracted from its ore using electrolysis.
- Caesium oxidises extremely quickly in the presence of Oxygen so it must be stored in a completely sealed container.
- Caesium reacts explosively with water to produce Hydrogen gas and Caesium Hydroxide.
- Caesium is a solid at standard temperature and pressure with a melting point of 28.5 °C.