Ytterbium
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Ytterbium (Yb) is a silvery coloured metal that has the atomic number 70 in the periodic table. It is a Lanthanide metal. It has the symbol Yb.
Ytterbium is not found free in the earths crust but in ores most commonly Monazite. Ytterbium is used in portable x-ray machines due to its radioactive properties and also used in earthquake monitoring stations. Ytterbium reacts quickly with air and water and tarnishes readily. Ytterbium was discovered in Ytterby the Swedish village which Yttrium, Terbium and Erbium also draw their name from. It is a solid metal at room temperature with a melting point of 824°c and a boiling point of 1196°c.
FAQ's
Jean de Marignac
1878
Uses
Used in metallurgical and chemical experiments.
Sources
Found in minerals such as yttria, monazite, gadolinite, and xenotime. Monazite is often 50% rare earth by weight and typically 0.03% ytterbium.
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
Yb
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