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Rubidium (Rb)
Element with atomic number 37, category: Alkali metal, a solid at room temperature.
Element 37 of 118
Alkali metal
Rubidium
Group 1, Period 5
Common Uses
Atomic clocks
Electron Diagram
About Rubidium
Rubidium is a chemical element with the symbol Rb and atomic number 37, meaning every atom has 37 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Alkali metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 85.468 atomic mass units (u).
On the periodic table, Rubidium sits in group 1, period 5, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.
Uses of Rubidium
In daily life and industry, Rubidium is used for Atomic clocks. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Alkali metal category.
Electron Structure of Rubidium
Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Rubidium has 4 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 9 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.
Explore Other Elements
Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.