Yttrium
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Yttrium (Y) is a silvery metal that has the atomic number 39 in the periodic table. It is a Transition metal and located in Group 3 of the periodic table. It has the symbol Y.
Yttrium is classified as a rare earth element due to its rarity on earth. It is never found as a free element but usually found in a compound with the lanthanides. Yttrium was discovered in 1787 by Carl Axel Arrhenius in the town of Ytterby, Sweden. In the mineral sample that Arrhenius analysed the elemental Yttrium was isolated in 1828 by Friedrich Wöhler. The most important use of Yttrium is in the production of LEDs, phosphors and electrodes. Strontium is located in Group 3 as a Transition metal. It has a melting point of 1526°c and a boiling point of 2930°c.
FAQ's
Johann Gadolin
1794
Uses
Combined with europium to make red phosphors for color TV's. Yttrium oxide and iron oxide combine to form a crystal garnet used in radar.
Sources
Found in minerals such as monazite, xenotime, and yttria.
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
Y
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