Rubidium - Periodic Table of the Elements

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PERIODIC TABLE OF THE ELEMENTS version 1.7


 Rb

English:  Rubidium
French: Rubidium
Croatian: Rubidij
German: Rubidium
Italian: Rubidio


Atomic number: 37
Group numbers: 1
Period: 5
Standard state (20 °C): solid

Rubidium was discovered by Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff (Germany) in 1861. The origin of the name comes from the Latin word rubidius meaning dark red or deepest red. It is soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal. Ignites in air. Reacts violently with water or oxidants.

Electronic configuration: [Kr] 5s¹
Relative atomic mass: 85.4678(3)
Formal oxidation number: +1

Electronegativities: 0.82
Thermal conductivity: 52.8 W/(m K)
Electrical resistivity (20 °C): 12.5 μΩcm

Atomic radius: 247.5 pm
Density (g/dm3): 1532 (293 K) 
1475 (m.p.)
Molar volume (cm3/mol): 55.79 (293 K) 
57.94 (m.p.)

Melting point: 39.31 °C
Boiling point: 688 °C
Critical temperature: 1820 °C

Heat of fusion: 2.2 kJ/mol
Heat of vaporization: 75.7 kJ/mol
Heat of atomization: 82.17 kJ/mol

Rubidium occurs abundantly, but so widespread that production is limited. Usually obtained from lithium production. Used as a catalyst, photocells and vacuum and cathode-ray tubes. The price of 99.8 % pure rubidium metal is 1669.80 € for 100 g. 36Kr <= 37Rb => 38Sr ___________________ If you have comments, corrections or suggestions about this site, please send me a e-mail. Periodic Table of the Elements __________________________________ Last modified: 29.03.2003 Copyright © 1998-2003 by Eni Generalic