Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be exploring the fascinating element known as rubidium. Rubidium is a soft, silvery-white metal that belongs to the alkali metal group on the periodic table. It has a number of interesting properties and uses, and we will be diving into all of them in a simple and non-complex manner. So, let’s get started and learn all about rubidium!
The Periodic Element Rubidium Overview
Rubidium is a chemical element with the symbol Rb and atomic number 37. It is a soft, silvery-white metallic element that belongs to the alkali metal group. Rubidium has an atomic mass of 85.47 u and its most common isotope has 48 neutrons. It has 37 protons and 37 electrons, with the electron configuration of [Kr]5s1. Rubidium is located in period 5 and group 1 of the periodic table. It is a solid at room temperature and is classified as a metal. Rubidium has an electronegativity of 0.82 and a specific heat capacity of 0.363 J/g·K. Its melting point is 39.3°C and its boiling point is 688°C. The density of rubidium is 1.532 g/cm³.Rubidium is a highly reactive metal that can ignite spontaneously in air. It is used in various applications such as in the production of vacuum tubes, photocells, and atomic clocks. Rubidium is also used in the medical field as a tracer in positron emission tomography (PET) scans. Due to its high reactivity, rubidium is not found in its elemental form in nature but is instead found in minerals such as lepidolite, pollucite, and carnallite. Rubidium has a low ionization energy and readily loses its outermost electron to form a +1 ion. It has a similar chemical behavior to other alkali metals such as sodium and potassium.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element rubidium?
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 rubidium 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 rubidium dangerous or radioactive?
Rubidium is a chemical element with the symbol Rb and atomic number 37. It is a soft, silvery-white metallic element that belongs to the alkali metal group of elements. Rubidium is not considered to be dangerous or radioactive in its natural state. However, like all alkali metals, it can react violently with water and other substances, and should be handled with care. Rubidium has a number of important applications in industry and research, including its use in atomic clocks, photoelectric cells, and as a catalyst in organic chemistry. Overall, rubidium is a relatively safe and useful element that can be studied and used in a variety of contexts.
Is the periodic element rubidium rare and expensive?
Rubidium is a relatively rare element, but it is not necessarily expensive. It is found in small amounts in minerals such as lepidolite, pollucite, and carnallite. However, it is not commonly used in industrial applications, which keeps the demand and price relatively low. Rubidium is primarily used in research and scientific applications, such as in atomic clocks and as a tracer in medical imaging. Overall, while rubidium may not be as abundant as other elements, it is not considered a particularly expensive element.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!