Uses
Cerium, a soft, silvery and ductile metal, is the most abundant of the rare earth elements. It also has numerous applications. For example, cerium (III) oxide is used as a catalyst for the oxidation of CO emissions from motor vehicles, while cerium oxide (IV) is used for precision polishing of optical componets. Cerium compounds are also used in producing glass. Cerium can also be add to aluminum, iron and magnesium alloys to their properties.
Definition
A ductile malleable
gray element of the lanthanoid series of
metals. It occurs in association with other
lanthanoids in many minerals, including
monazite and bastnasite. The metal is reactive;
it reacts with water and tarnishes in
air. It is used in several alloys (especially
for lighter flints), as a catalyst, and in compound
form in carbon-arc searchlights,
etc., and in the glass industry.
