what is cesium used
Cesium compounds have relatively few commercial uses. Cesium bromide is used to make radiation detectors and other measuring devices. Cesium carbonate and cesium fluoride are used to make specialty glasses. Cesium carbonate and cesium chloride are used in the brewing of beers.
Cesium and cesium compounds have a number of interesting uses and applications. For example, they are used as catalysts in chemical reactions. Because it is easily ionized by light, metallic cesium is used in photoelectric cells and infrared detectors.
Cesium compounds are used in specialized alkaline batteries that are designed to work in subzero climates. Cesium carbonate is used in the production of special glass and glass products. The most accurate clock in the world, the âatomic clock,â measures time based on the very precise vibration of the electrons in the outer shell of the cesium atom.
Cesium-137 is often used in scientific research also. For example, cesium tends to stick to particles of sand and gravel. This fact can be used to measure the speed of erosion in an area. Cesium-137 is injected into the ground at some point. Some time later, a detector is used to see how far the isotope has moved.
This isotope of cesium can also be used to treat some kinds of cancer. One procedure is to fill a hollow steel needle with cesium-137. The needle can then be implanted into a person's body. The cesium-137 gives off radiation inside the body. That radiation kills cancer cells and may help cure the disease.
The heat produced by nuclear fission can be converted into electricity. While this process is going on, cesium-137 is being produced as a by-product. That cesium-137 can be collected and used for a number of applications. As an example, cesium-137 can be used to monitor the flow of oil in a pipeline. In many cases, more than one oil company may use the same pipeline.