Cesium

Symbol

Cs

Atomic number

55

Atomic mass	132.905		Thermal conductivity	0.359
Atomic radius	3.34		Covalent radius	2.35
Density	1.87		Atomic volume	71.07
Melting point	301.55		Oxidation states	1
Boiling point	952		Stable isotopes	1
Heat of vapor.	67.74		Electronegativity	0.79
Heat of fusion	2.092		First ionization	3.894
Specific heat	0.24		Electrical conduct.	...

Electron configuration

Cesium

The compounds of cesium are similar to those of potassium. This presents a particular hazard when radioactive cesium-137 contaminates the soil, as it did near Chernobyl. Growing plants require large amounts of potassium, and concentrate it from the soil. Since cesium mimics potassium, the radioactive cesium is also taken up and reconcentrated. The result is that plants grown on contaminated soil may contain a much higher concentration of radioactive cesium than the soil in which they are grown.

The electron configuration of cesium consists of one lone 6s electron outside a perfectly symmetrical core of 54 other electrons characteristic of the noble element xenon. This fact has made it the foundation for mankind's best clock, the cesium atomic clock.

Cesium Nuclear Data