📚 Learning Guide
Alkali Metals
hard

Which statement correctly describes the electron configuration of cesium (Cs) and highlights its industrial uses, particularly in relation to its reactivity as an alkali metal?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Cs has the electron configuration [Xe] 6s1 and is used in atomic clocks due to its precise frequency.

B

Cs has the electron configuration [Kr] 5s1 and is primarily used in the production of batteries.

C

Cs has the electron configuration [Xe] 5s2 and is commonly employed in the manufacturing of glass.

D

Cs has the electron configuration [Xe] 6s1 and is utilized in fertilizers for its low reactivity.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

Cesium has the electron configuration [Xe] 6s¹, meaning it has one valence electron in the 6s orbital, which makes it very reactive as an alkali metal. Because that single electron is easily lost, Cs readily forms +1 ions, giving it a strong tendency to react with water and acids, a property exploited in industrial processes. Its high reactivity is useful in producing cesium vapor for atomic clocks, where the precise frequency of the cesium‑133 transition is used as the SI second. In addition, cesium is used in photoelectric cells and in some specialized batteries, where its low ionization energy and large atomic radius help improve performance. Thus, the 6s¹ configuration explains both its vigorous chemical behavior and its practical applications.

Detailed Explanation

Cesium’s electron layout is [Xe] 6s1, meaning it has one electron in the outermost shell. Other options are incorrect because The idea that cesium’s core is [Kr] 5s1 mixes up krypton and a wrong shell number; Saying cesium has [Xe] 5s2 suggests it has two outer electrons and uses glass, which is not true.

Key Concepts

electron configuration
cesium (Cs)
uses in industry.
Topic

Alkali Metals

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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