Wikijunior:The Elements/Cesium

Shows the position of Cesium on the periodic chart.

Cesium's symbol on the Periodic Table

What does it look, feel, taste, or smell like?

Cesium is a silvery-gold color. It is a soft alkali metal, with a very low melting point — 28C, which is below human body temperature (37C).

How was it discovered?

It was discovered in 1860 by two German chemists, Robert Bunsen and Gustav Kirchhoff. They discovered it in mineral water from a spa in Germany, using a spectroscope — which they had discovered the previous year.

Where did its name come from?

Did You Know?

First interesting fact.
Another interesting fact.
Yet another interesting fact.

Bunsen and Kirchhoff named this element after the color of the light they observed from it with their spectroscope. The Latin word caesius means bluish-gray.

Is it dangerous?

Cesium burns when exposed to water, like Potassium.

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