Name: Caesium

Atomic Symbol and Mass Number: Cs [55]

Electron Configuration: [Xe] 6s

Atomic Radii: 265 pm

Electron Affinity: 45.5 kJ mol‑1

Oxidation States: +1, -1

Electronegativity Value: 0.79

Elemental Group: Alkali metal

Uses and Properties:

• Caesium is a soft, gold-coloured metal that is quickly attacked by air and reacts explosively in water.

• The most common use for caesium compounds is as a drilling fluid.

• They are also used to make special optical glass, as a catalyst promoter, in vacuum tubes and in radiation monitoring equipment.

• It is silvery gold, soft, and ductile.

• It is the most electropositive and most alkaline element.

• Cesium, gallium, and mercury are the only three metals that are liquid at or around room temperature.

• Cesium reacts explosively with cold water, and reacts with ice at temperatures above -116°C.

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Lewis Diagram: