Sr
Strontium
Atomic number: 38Mass: 87.62 uCategory: Alkaline Earth Metal
About Strontium
Strontium is a soft silver-white yellowish metallic element that is highly chemically reactive. It burns bright crimson red, which is why it is used in fireworks and emergency flares.
Properties
Period
5
Group
2
Block
S
Category
Alkaline Earth Metal
Electronegativity
0.95 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
549.5 kJ/mol
Melting Point
1050 K (777°C)
Boiling Point
1655 K (1382°C)
Density
2.64 g/cm³
Oxidation States
+2
Electron Configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 5s²
[Kr] 5s²
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:8e⁻
Shell 3:18e⁻
Shell 4:8e⁻
Shell 5:2e⁻
Real-World Uses
Fireworks (red colour)
Nuclear fallout (Sr-90)
CRT televisions
Toothpaste
Drilling fluids
Fun Fact
Strontium gives fireworks their brilliant crimson-red colour — look for it in every red firework you see!