Cerium is an abundant lanthanide whose easy switching between oxidation states supports catalysts, polishing powders, and lighter flints.
Atomic number
58
Category
Lanthanide
Period
6
Group
f-block
State
Solid
Fun facts about Cerium
Cerium oxide can store and release oxygen in vehicle catalysts.
Ferrocerium produces hot sparks when scraped.
Fine cerium oxide is widely used to polish glass.
Common uses of Cerium
Vehicle catalytic converters
Glass polishing
Lighter flints
Where Cerium sits in the periodic table
Cerium belongs to the lanthanide series in period 6 and the f-block of the periodic table. Under the conditions represented in this reference, its state is solid.
Quick chemistry revision
For quick revision, pair the symbol Ce with atomic number 58 and the listed atomic mass 140.12. The summary, facts, and uses above keep those element properties together in one reference.