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Caesium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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caesium

[ˈsiːziəm ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

chemical element

Caesium is a chemical element with the symbol Cs and atomic number 55. It is a soft, golden alkali metal that is highly reactive and has a low melting point. Caesium is used in atomic clocks, in the oil industry, and in various chemical applications.

Synonyms

cesium.

Examples of usage

  • The atomic clock utilizes caesium to keep accurate time.
  • Caesium is commonly used in mining and drilling operations.
  • Due to its reactivity, caesium must be stored under oil.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Caesium is essential for atomic clocks, which are the most accurate timekeeping devices, crucial for GPS technology.
  • It has a very low melting point (28.5 °C or 83.3 °F), which means it can be a liquid at room temperature, making it unique among metals.

Pop Culture

  • Construction and communication technologies often rely on atomic timekeeping, which utilizes caesium, marking its importance in everyday life.
  • In movies and TV shows, high-tech gadgets that involve extreme precision often reference atomic clocks, indirectly highlighting caesium's role.

Environmental Impact

  • Mining and production of caesium can have ecological consequences, raising discussions on sustainability within the chemical industry.
  • Its reactivity means it must be carefully managed, particularly in industrial processes where safety can be a concern.

Applications

  • Beyond timekeeping, caesium is used in various scientific fields, including geology and space exploration, for precise measurements.
  • Certain types of photoelectric cells and vacuum tubes also contain caesium, showing its versatility in technology.

Origin of 'caesium'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'caesium' comes from the Latin word 'caesius', meaning 'sky blue', referencing the color of its spectral lines when observed.
  • Discovered in 1860 by two German chemists, this element was among the first to be identified using spectral analysis.

The name 'caesium' comes from the Latin word 'caesius', meaning 'sky blue', which refers to the bright blue lines in its spectrum discovered in 1860 by German scientist Robert Bunsen and physicist Gustav Kirchhoff. This was the first element to be discovered using spectrum analysis, marking a significant development in the field of analytical chemistry. Bunsen and Kirchhoff were studying the spectral lines of different elements, and their findings led them to isolate caesium from mineral water, specifically from mineral water in Durkheim, Germany. The discovery highlighted the element's presence in natural sources, and it became crucial in various scientific advancements, especially in timekeeping technologies.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,016, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.