Basic Information:

Name: Rubidium

Atomic Number: 37

Chemical Symbol: Rb

Atomic Mass: 85.4678 amu

History:

·      Name Origin: From the Latin word rubidus (red)

·      Date of Discovery: 1861

·      Discovered By: German chemist, Robert Bunsen  

·      How it Happened: Robert was analyzing samples of the mineral lepidolite with a device called a spectroscope. This produced a set of deep red spectral lines he had never seen before. He then was able to isolate samples of rubidium.

Fun Facts:

·      Violently reacts with water

·      Gives a purple color in fireworks

·      Colors a flame yellowish-violet

·      Moderately toxic by ingestion

Uses:         

·      Considered in use for “Ion Engines” for space vehicles

·      Used to make special glasses

·      Used as a “getter” in vacuum tubes to remove trace gases

·      Manufacture of photocells

·      Working fluid in vapor turbines

Atomic Structure
A solid piece of Rubidium
Another piece of rubidium at room temperature
Robert Bunsen
It's Elementary

Group: 1A

Family Name: Alkali Metal

Element Classification: Metal

Period Number: 5

Rubidium's Flame
Rubidium is isolated by electrolysis of liquid rubidium chloride.
Isolation:
Room Tempature Description:

Solid

Silvery-white metallic