Rubidium
General Information
- Symbol: Rb
- Atomic Number: 37
- Atomic Weight: 85.4678 u
- Element Category: Alkali metal
- Group: 1
- Period: 5
- Block: s-block
Physical Properties
- Appearance: Silvery-white metallic
- Density: 1.532 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 39.31 °C (102.76 °F)
- Boiling Point: 688 °C (1270 °F)
- Phase at STP: Solid
- Electron Configuration: [Kr] 5s¹
- Oxidation States: +1 (most common)
Chemical Properties
- Reactivity: Highly reactive, especially with water, producing hydrogen gas and rubidium hydroxide.
- Flammability: Highly flammable, burns with a reddish-violet flame.
- Compounds: Rubidium forms compounds such as rubidium chloride (RbCl), rubidium hydroxide (RbOH), and rubidium carbonate (Rb₂CO₃).
Uses and Applications
- Electronics: Used in photocells and special glasses.
- Medical: Used in research, particularly in the study of the behavior of potassium in the body, and in some types of atomic clocks.
- Scientific Research: Used in atomic clocks and various research applications in physics and chemistry.
- Industrial: Used in the production of specialty glasses and in certain types of fireworks for purple color.
Occurrence and Extraction
- Natural Occurrence: Rubidium is not found as a free element in nature. It is typically found in minerals such as lepidolite, pollucite, and carnallite.
- Extraction: Extracted from minerals by processes such as electrolysis or reduction of rubidium chloride with calcium.
Isotopes
- Stable Isotopes: Rubidium-85 (72.2%)
- Radioactive Isotopes: Rubidium-87 (27.8%, half-life of 48.8 billion years, used in dating ancient rocks)
Safety and Handling
- Hazards: Rubidium is highly reactive and must be handled with care. It reacts violently with water and air, and can cause fires and explosions.
- Precautions: Stored under dry mineral oil or in an inert atmosphere to prevent reactions with air or moisture.
What is the atomic number of Rubidium?
- 37
What is the symbol for Rubidium?
- Rb
What is the atomic weight of Rubidium?
- 85.4678 u
In which group of the periodic table is Rubidium found?
- Group 1 (Alkali metals)
What period is Rubidium in?
- Period 5
What block does Rubidium belong to?
- s-block
What is the melting point of Rubidium?
- 39.31 °C (102.76 °F)
What is the boiling point of Rubidium?
- 688 °C (1270 °F)
What is the density of Rubidium?
- 1.532 g/cm³
What is the electron configuration of Rubidium?
- [Kr] 5s¹
What are the common oxidation states of Rubidium?
- +1
What is the appearance of Rubidium?
- Silvery-white metallic
Is Rubidium reactive with water?
- Yes, highly reactive
What gas is produced when Rubidium reacts with water?
- Hydrogen gas
What color flame does Rubidium produce?
- Reddish-violet
Name a compound of Rubidium.
- Rubidium chloride (RbCl)
What is a common use of Rubidium in electronics?
- Photocells
How is Rubidium used in the medical field?
- Research, particularly in studying the behavior of potassium in the body
What is Rubidium used for in scientific research?
- Atomic clocks
What industrial application uses Rubidium?
- Specialty glasses production
Name a mineral that contains Rubidium.
- Lepidolite
How is Rubidium extracted from minerals?
- Electrolysis or reduction of rubidium chloride with calcium
What is the most stable isotope of Rubidium?
- Rubidium-85
What is the half-life of Rubidium-87?
- 48.8 billion years
What safety hazard is associated with Rubidium?
- Highly reactive and flammable
How should Rubidium be stored?
- Under dry mineral oil or in an inert atmosphere
What type of element is Rubidium classified as?
- Alkali metal
What type of reaction occurs when Rubidium contacts water?
- Exothermic reaction
What color does Rubidium impart to fireworks?
- Purple
Can Rubidium be found in a free state in nature?
- No, it is found in compounds
What type of glasses can Rubidium help produce?
- Special glasses
What scientific tool uses Rubidium for precision timekeeping?
- Atomic clocks
What research application uses Rubidium isotopes?
- Dating ancient rocks
What is the primary oxidation state of Rubidium in compounds?
- +1
Is Rubidium more or less reactive than Sodium?
- More reactive
What element precedes Rubidium in the periodic table?
- Krypton (Kr)
What element follows Rubidium in the periodic table?
- Strontium (Sr)
What is a safety precaution for handling Rubidium?
- Avoid contact with water and air
What compound is formed when Rubidium reacts with oxygen?
- Rubidium oxide (Rb₂O)
What happens when Rubidium is exposed to air?
- It reacts rapidly, forming a crust of rubidium oxide
