Rubidium - Element Properties and Periodic Table Information

Rubidium - An element from the Periodic Table based on the IOUPAC 1985 standard

Chemical Elements

Periodic Table

Definition of the Rubidium Element
A soft silvery-white metallic element of the alkali group that ignites spontaneously in air and reacts violently with water, used in photocells and in the manufacture of vacuum tubes.

Origin / Meaning of the name Rubidium
Originates from the Latin word 'rubidus' meaning red.

Classification of the Rubidium Element
Rubidium is classified as an "Alkali Metal" and located in Group 1 elements of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as an Alkali Metal is a very reactive metal that does not occur freely in nature. Alkali metals are soft, malleable, ductile, and are good conductors of heat and electricity.

Facts about the History of the Rubidium Element
Rubidium was discovered by Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff in 1861 in the mineral lepidolite through the use of a spectroscope. It has the highest room temperature conductivity of any known ionic crystal. Ignites spontaneously in air. Reacts violently in water.

Occurrence the Rubidium Element
Obtained from lithium production
16th most abundant element in the earth's crust
Occurs naturally in the minerals leucite, pollucite, and zinnwaldite

Associated Uses of Rubidium
Research and development in chemical and electronic applications
Catalyst
Photocells
Fireworks
Vapour turbines
Rubidium chloride
 

The Properties of the Rubidium Element
Name of Element : Rubidium
Symbol of Element : Rb
Atomic Number of Rubidium : 37
Atomic Mass: 85.4678 amu
Melting Point: 38.89 °C - 312.04 °K
Boiling Point: 688.0 °C - 961.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Rubidium : 37
Number of Neutrons in Rubidium : 48
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 1.532 g/cm3
Color of Rubidium : silvery-white

Rubidium and the Periodic Table
Check out Rubidium on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the periodic law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Rubidium for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

Rubidium - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Rubidium is just one element that can be found.
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The Element Rubidium

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