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key term - Rubidium

Definition

Rubidium is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal with the symbol Rb and atomic number 37. It is highly reactive and is known for its rapid oxidation in air and vigorous reactions with water, forming rubidium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. As an alkali metal, it shares similar properties with other members of its group, including a low melting point and the ability to form ionic compounds.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Rubidium was discovered in 1861 by Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff through the use of flame spectroscopy.
  2. It has a relatively low boiling point of 688 °C compared to other alkali metals, making it useful in certain high-temperature applications.
  3. Rubidium is used in various applications including atomic clocks, which utilize its properties for precise timekeeping.
  4. Due to its high reactivity, rubidium must be stored in an inert atmosphere or mineral oil to prevent it from reacting with moisture or oxygen.
  5. In nature, rubidium is found in trace amounts in minerals such as lepidolite and pollucite, and it is often extracted through the process of mining and refining.

Review Questions

  • How does rubidium's reactivity compare to that of other alkali metals?
    • Rubidium is one of the more reactive alkali metals, exhibiting greater reactivity than lithium or sodium. Its large atomic radius means that its outer electron is more loosely bound, making it more eager to participate in chemical reactions. Like other alkali metals, rubidium reacts vigorously with water to produce rubidium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, but this reaction is notably more explosive than that of its lighter counterparts.
  • Discuss the industrial uses of rubidium and how its properties make it suitable for these applications.
    • Rubidium has unique properties that make it valuable in several industrial applications. Its use in atomic clocks capitalizes on its ability to maintain precise oscillations due to its electron transitions. Additionally, rubidium's high reactivity can be harnessed in specialty glasses and catalysts for chemical reactions. These properties make it ideal for high-tech industries, particularly in electronics and telecommunications.
  • Evaluate the significance of rubidium's discovery in the context of advancements in analytical chemistry.
    • The discovery of rubidium marked a significant advancement in analytical chemistry due to its identification through flame spectroscopy. This method allowed chemists to detect elements based on their unique emission spectra, paving the way for further discoveries of other elements. Rubidium's discovery not only expanded the periodic table but also demonstrated the potential of spectroscopy as a vital tool for chemical analysis, influencing future research methodologies and techniques in both academic and industrial laboratories.

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