Some of the characteristics of rubidium include:
* Atomic number: 37
* Symbol: Rb
* Atomic weight: 85.4678 u
* Melting point: 39.3 °C (102.7 °F)
* Boiling point: 688 °C (1,270 °F)
* Density: 1.53 g/cm3
* Color: Silvery-white
* Oxidation state: +1
Rubidium is a highly reactive metal and readily reacts with water to form rubidium hydroxide. It is also a strong reducing agent and can easily react with oxygen and other oxidizing agents. Rubidium is also pyrophoric, meaning that it can easily ignite in air.
Rubidium is found in nature in a number of minerals, including lepidolite, petalite, and pollucite. It is also found in sea water and in some plants. Rubidium is typically extracted from these sources by electrolysis.
Rubidium has a number of applications, including:
* Atomic clocks: Rubidium is used in atomic clocks because its atoms have a very precise natural resonance frequency. This frequency is used to calibrate the clocks, which are used to keep accurate time.
* Medical imaging: Rubidium-82 is used in medical imaging to diagnose heart conditions and to study blood flow.
* High-temperature applications: Rubidium is used in some high-temperature applications, such as in jet engines and rocket propellants.
* Batteries: Rubidium is used in some batteries, such as in silver-rubidium batteries.
Rubidium is a relatively rare metal and is not widely used in industry. However, its unique properties make it valuable in a number of applications.
