Need to do a science project on the element Cesium?

Question

So, everyone in the class picked an element, and I was one of the last few. I didn't put any thought into my choice, and picked Cesium at random. I've only done a few minutes of research so far, but it doesn't seem to be a super interesting element. I have no idea what to do for this project. The teacher did not give us a rubric, and she didn't give any requirements other than it must be "awesome". I procrastinated and now it's due in two days. If someone can think of ANY ideas at all, just throw them all out there. I know I can't actually get some Cesium, and I don't think I have any there is anything I can get that looks like Cesium, or is there, maybe? I don't know. Ideally, I don't want to have to resort to just making a poster or something lame like that. I'd really appreciate if I could get some help.

Answer 1

"it doesn't seem to be a super interesting element."



Well, you're wrong.



Atomic clocks are based on something called a 'cesium fountain.' These clocks are accurate to about 1 second in 3000 years and are the basis for things that need super accurate clocks. Look at the Global Positioning System.



https://www.google.com/search?q=cesium+fountain+clock&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a



Cesium-137 is a part of the fallout from atomic bombs and can be a MAJOR problem in the environment:



https://www.google.com/search?q=radioactive+cesium&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a



Cesium-137 also has medical uses.



Cs-137 is also part of a thing called a 'radioactive cow.' I used one to prepare radioactive solutions of Ba-137 for use in a common high school radioactive decay lab. Cs-137 decays to Ba-137 via beta decay.



Cesium-133 is used in the definition of what a second is:



http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/Units/current.html



"I procrastinated" coupled with "I'd really appreciate if I could get some help."



We've all been there. Just remember that when it comes (and it will come) your turn to help.

Answer 2

Element Science Project

Answer 3

It blows up when you drop it in water. That's why you won't be able to get any of the stuff. The atomic clocks stuff is cool, and while you won't be able to get an atomic clock you CAN get a clock that recieves a radio signal from an atomic clock.



There's something called caesium formate, which is used in drilling for oil. It dissolves in water to make a dense brine, which magnesium metal will float in, and it's reasonably safe. Caesium chloride can also make quite a dense brine. If your school has either of these, you can float some things that won't float in water in them.



A caseium fluoride or caseium iodide crystal will produce a flash if hit by ionizing radiation, which can be seen using a photomultiplier tube which is basically like a night-vision goggle. They can tell alpha from beta radiation, unlike a geiger counter.

Answer 4

Cesium reacts violently with water resulting in an explosion, is used in atomic clocks, and is a liquid metal. It's not that boring, but it's definitely not the coolest.

Answer 5

cesium is fun! look at this youtube video - make sure to watch it all the way through



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS3cIK9jlB8&feature=endscreen&NR=1