What is Yttrium?

Yttrium, the thirty-ninth element on the periodic table, is a silvery transition metal. It's a key player in modern technology and medical advancements.

Atomic Number: 39

Symbol: Y

Atomic Mass: 88.906 u

Category: Transition Metal

State at Room Temperature: Solid

Discovered By: Johan Gadolin (1794)

⚛️ Atomic Structure of Yttrium

Yttrium has thirty-nine protons, fifty neutrons (in its only stable isotope, Yttrium-89), and thirty-nine electrons, with two in its outer shell.

  • 🟢 Protons: 39
  • 🔴 Neutrons: 50 (Stable isotope, Yttrium-89)
  • 🟡 Electrons: 39

💡 Did you know? Yttrium-90, a radioactive isotope, is used in cancer therapy!

🔬 Yttrium Properties

Yttrium is soft, ductile, and resistant to corrosion. It melts at 1522°C (2772°F) and forms a protective oxide layer in air.

🧪 How Was Yttrium Discovered?

In 1794, Finnish chemist Johan Gadolin isolated Yttrium from a mineral (later named gadolinite) found in Ytterby, Sweden.

⚡ Uses of Yttrium

  • 💡 Electronics: Yttrium oxide in LEDs and phosphors.
  • 🔬 Medicine: Yttrium-90 for radiation therapy.
  • 🏭 Industry: Alloys for jet engines and superconductors.
  • 🔍 Lasers: Yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) in laser tech.

💡 Fun Facts About Yttrium

  • 🇸🇪 Named after Ytterby, a Swedish village.
  • 🌌 Found in lunar rock samples from the Moon.
  • 🔥 Burns with a bright white flame.
  • 🧲 Enhances superconductors at low temperatures.

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

Yttrium is non-toxic in solid form but can irritate eyes or lungs as dust. Handle with care and avoid inhalation.

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