Cerium

High school (ages 12+)
Science & Technology

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/cerium

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Who discovered Cerium?1803
2. What is the element symbol?Ce
3. What is the atomic number?58
4. Why does cerium make sparks?Cerium can quickly turn into a +4 charged ion when it touches air, which releases a lot of heat and light. That reaction is used in lighter flints and spark plugs.
5. How is cerium used to polish glass?In its +4 form, called ceria, cerium is a strong polishing powder. It smooths lenses, mirrors and screens to a very fine finish.

Lanthanide Series: A group of 15 metallic chemical elements with atomic numbers 57 through 71.
Oxidation State: A number assigned to an element in a chemical combination that represents the number of electrons lost or gained by an atom of that element.
Pyrophoric: Describing a substance that ignites spontaneously in air.
Catalytic Converter: A device that uses a catalyst to convert toxic gases in exhaust into less harmful substances.