Spelling of the Element
Cesium is spelt as Caesium in the UK
What is Cesium? Origin / Meaning of the name Cesium
The word Caesium originates from the Latin word 'caesius' which means "sky blue" from the bright blue lines in its spectrum.
What is Cesium? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Cesium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Cesium is classified as an "Alkali Metal" and located in Group 1 elements of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as an Alkali Metal is a very reactive metal that does not occur freely in nature. Alkali metals are soft, malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and electricity. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.
What is Cesium? Occurrence of the Cesium Element
Cesium is found in the mineral pollux, or pollucite, which occurs on the island of Elba, in South Africa, in the United States in Maine and South Dakota, and in Manitoba, Canada.
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 8×10-8%
% in Sun 8×10-7%
% in Meteorites 0.000014%
% in Earth's Crust 0.00019%
% in Oceans 5×10-8%
% in Humans 2×10-6%
Medical Uses of Cesium - Health and Treatments
Interesting information on the Medical Uses of Cesium, Health and Treatments. Radium salts have been used as radiation sources in the treatment of cancer but are gradually being replaced in such therapy by cobalt and cesium.
Associated Uses of Cesium
Atomic clocks
Removes air traces in vacuum tubes
Ion propulsion systems
Medical
Photoelectric cells
Cesium vapor
Magnetometer
Facts about the History of the Discovery of Cesium Element
Cesium was discovered by Fustov Kirchoff and Robert Bunsen in 1860 from mineral water found in Dürkheim, Germany. It was the first element discovered by spectrum analysis.
Robert Wilhelm Bunsen
Robert Wilhelm Bunsen (1811-1899) invented many lecture-room and laboratory appliances, most famously the Bunsen burner. He also invented the spectroscope and with it discovered rubidium and caesium; greatly perfected methods of electrolysis, inventing a new battery; made many investigations among metallic and organic substances.
