Lanthanum is used in optical glass, catalysts and some battery materials.
Uses and research
Lanthanum is used in optical glass, catalysts and some battery materials.
Similar elements with different applications
The lanthanides are shown in a separate row below the main table. Their chemical similarities can make separation difficult. Differences in optical and magnetic behavior, however, lead to different uses. Comparing neighboring elements helps show why a family of similar elements is useful in many distinct materials.
What the atomic number tells us
Lanthanum has atomic number 57. This is the number of protons in its nucleus. A neutral atom also has 57 electrons. Losing or gaining electrons makes an ion; it does not change the element unless the proton count changes.
The model's rings help count electrons by shell. They are not actual circular paths. A model of one atom and the properties of a whole material are different levels of description.
Temperature and state
25°C: Solid
Illustrative particle motion: sizes, distances and speeds are not to scale. Particles represent atoms or molecules.
← CoolHeat →
Melting point 917.85°C / Boiling point 3,463.85°C
Pure element at 1 atmosphere. Image conditions are explained in captions. Pictures do not change with temperature.