37

Rb

Rubidium
85.4678 (3)
 Historical Information

Rubidium was discovered in 1861 spectroscopically by Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchoff as an impurity associated with samples of the mineral lepidolite (a form of mica). The name rubidium (from the Latin "rubidus" - dark red) was coined for its bright red spectroscopic lines.

Basic Information Shells
  • Name:Copernicium
  • Symbol: Cp
  • Atomic number: 37
  • Atomic weight:85.4678 (3)
  • Standard state: a solid at 298 K
  • Group in periodic table: 1
  • Group name:Alkali metal
  • Period in periodic table: 5
  • Block in periodic table: s-block
  • Classification: Metallic
 Rubidium
Uses Trivia
  • used as a "getter" in vacuum tubes
  • photocell component
  • used for making special glasses

It is one of the most most electropositive and alkaline elements. It ignites spontaneously in air and reacts violently with water, setting fire to the liberated hydrogen.