Rubidium
Contents
Key Stage 2
Meaning
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Rubidium is a Group 1 element, on the Periodic Table, with an atomic number of 37.
About Rubidium
Molecular Structure
- Rubidium has the chemical symbol Rb.
- Rubidium atoms join together in large numbers to form a giant metal molecule.
Atomic Structure
- Rubidium has 37 protons and 48 neutrons in its nucleus giving it an Atomic Number of 37 and an atomic mass of 85.
- An atom of Rubidium has only 1 electron in its outer shell.
Properties
- Rubidium is a more reactive alkali metal than Potassium but less reactive than Caesium.
- Rubidium is more reactive than Carbon on the reactivity series so it must be extracted from its ore using electrolysis.
- Rubidium oxidises extremely quickly in the presence of Oxygen so it must be stored in a completely sealed container.
- Rubidium reacts explosively with water to produce Hydrogen gas and Rubidium Hydroxide.
- Rubidium is a solid at room temperature.
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Rubidium is a Group 1 element, on the Periodic Table, with 37 protons in the nucleus.
About Rubidium
Molecular Structure
- Rubidium has the chemical symbol Rb.
- Rubidium atoms join together in a giant metallic structure.
Atomic Structure
- The most stable isotope of Rubidium has 48 neutrons in its nucleus giving it an atomic mass of 85.
- An atom of Rubidium has only 1 electron in its outer shell.
- Rubidium ions have lost an electron to become positively charged.
Properties
- Rubidium is a more reactive alkali metal than Potassium but less reactive than Caesium.
- Rubidium is more reactive than Carbon on the reactivity series so it must be extracted from its ore using electrolysis.
- Rubidium oxidises extremely quickly in the presence of Oxygen so it must be stored in a completely sealed container.
- Rubidium reacts explosively with water to produce Hydrogen gas and Rubidium Hydroxide.
- Rubidium is a solid at standard temperature and pressure with a melting point of 39.3 °C.