Atomic Number
58
Element 58
Cerium (Ce)
Cerium is a chemical element with symbol Ce and atomic number 58. It is a soft, silvery, ductile metal which easily oxidizes in air.
Atomic Mass
140.12 u
Category
Lanthanide
Period
6
Group
Lanthanide series
Phase
solid
Density
6.77 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 19, 9, 2
Atomic Structure
Protons: 58. Electrons: 58. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹ 5d¹
Why Cerium Matters
Cerium helps connect atomic number 58, lanthanide behavior, period 6 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 140.12 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹ 5d¹ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Cerium was discovered 1803 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth, Jöns Jakob Berzelius, Wilhelm Hisinger. Cerium is a chemical element with symbol Ce and atomic number 58. It is a soft, silvery, ductile metal which easily oxidizes in air.
Safety and Handling Context
Cerium is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Cerium?
- Cerium has atomic number 58, which means a neutral atom has 58 protons and 58 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Cerium?
- The chemical symbol for Cerium is Ce.
- What category is Cerium in?
- Cerium is classified as a lanthanide and sits in period 6 of the periodic table.
Explore Cerium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Cerium to neighboring elements without losing your place.