Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be discussing the fascinating element known as lanthanum. Lanthanum is a silvery-white metal that belongs to the group of elements known as the lanthanides. It has the atomic number 57 and the symbol La. Lanthanum is widely used in various industries, including electronics, lighting, and even in the production of camera lenses. Join us as we explore the properties and uses of this important element in a simple and non-complex manner.
The Periodic Element Lanthanum Overview
Lanthanum is a chemical element with the symbol La and atomic number 57. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the group of elements known as the lanthanides. Lanthanum has an atomic mass of 138.90547 u and contains 57 protons, 57 electrons, and 82 neutrons. It is located in period 6 and group 3 of the periodic table. Lanthanum is a metal and has a melting point of 1193 K (920 °C) and a boiling point of 3737 K (3464 °C). Its density is 6.162 g/cm³ and it is in the solid phase at room temperature.Lanthanum has an electronegativity of 1.10 and a specific heat capacity of 195 J/(kg·K). It is a highly reactive element and reacts with water to form lanthanum hydroxide and hydrogen gas. Lanthanum is used in the production of high-intensity carbon arc lamps, as well as in the manufacture of steel, non-ferrous alloys, and other metals. It is also used in the production of camera lenses, as well as in the production of catalysts for the petroleum industry. Overall, lanthanum is an important element with a wide range of applications in various industries.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element lanthanum?
There are many everyday objects that contain chemicals or compounds that can be used to teach chemistry concepts. For example, water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and can be used to teach about chemical formulas and the properties of different elements. Salt, which is made up of sodium and chlorine, can be used to teach about ionic bonding and the properties of salts. Baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate, can be used to teach about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases. Other examples include vinegar, which is acetic acid, and aspirin, which is acetylsalicylic acid. By using everyday objects that contain chemicals, students can learn about chemistry concepts in a simple and relatable way.
Differences in the periodic element lanthanum across states of matter
The state of an element can vary greatly depending on its temperature and pressure. At standard temperature and pressure (STP), most elements are either solids or gases. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, while gases have neither. As temperature and pressure increase, some solids can become liquids, which have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container. As temperature and pressure continue to increase, some liquids can become gases, which have neither a fixed shape nor volume. At extremely high temperatures and pressures, some gases can become plasmas, which are highly ionized and conductive. Plasmas are often found in stars and lightning bolts, and have unique properties such as the ability to emit light.
Is the periodic element lanthanum dangerous or radioactive?
Lanthanum is a chemical element with the symbol La and atomic number 57. It is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the group of elements known as the lanthanides. Lanthanum is not considered to be a dangerous or radioactive element. It is a relatively stable element that is not known to pose any significant health risks to humans or the environment. However, like all metals, lanthanum can be toxic in high concentrations, and it should be handled with care and disposed of properly to avoid any potential hazards.
Is the periodic element lanthanum rare and expensive?
Lanthanum is a relatively common element, found in many minerals including monazite and bastnasite. It is not considered a rare or expensive element. In fact, it is one of the more abundant rare earth elements, which are a group of elements that are used in a variety of applications including electronics, magnets, and catalysts. While the extraction and processing of rare earth elements can be complex and costly, lanthanum itself is not particularly rare or expensive.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!