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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.
catalystsglass polishlighter flints
Standard atomic weight140.116(1)
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.
Worth remembering
Cerium has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses
Cerium has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses