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Periodic table · chemistry · physics
Element story

Cerium

Atomic number 58 means that every Cerium nucleus contains 58 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Cerium.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 58 means that every Cerium nucleus contains 58 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Cerium.

Cerium (Ce) is chemical element 58. It belongs to the lanthanoids, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

In practice, it turns up most often in catalysts, glass polish and lighter flints.

See the atom

Conceptual visual: electron shells are a learning aid, not a literal picture of quantum orbitals.

What this number means

Atomic number 58 means that every Cerium nucleus contains 58 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Cerium.

Keep exploring

→ Cerium · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

58CeCerium
Cerium · Ce · Z = 58

Cerium (Ce) is chemical element 58. It belongs to the lanthanoids, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Understanding the element

Cerium (Ce) is chemical element 58. It belongs to the lanthanoids, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Where do we encounter it?

In practice, it turns up most often in catalysts, glass polish and lighter flints.

What its position in the table tells us

Cerium sits in period 6 and the F block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.