Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be exploring the fascinating element erbium. Erbium is a rare earth metal that has a number of interesting properties and uses. We will be discussing its atomic structure, physical and chemical properties, as well as its applications in various industries. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of erbium together!
The Periodic Element Erbium Overview
Erbium is a chemical element with the symbol Er and atomic number 68. It is a rare earth element and a member of the lanthanide series. Erbium has an atomic mass of 167.26 g/mol and its nucleus contains 68 protons and 99 neutrons. In its neutral state, erbium also has 68 electrons. It is located in period 6 and group 3 of the periodic table. Erbium is a solid at room temperature and is classified as a metal. Its electronegativity is 1.24 and its specific heat capacity is 28.12 J/mol·K. The melting point of erbium is 1522 °C and its boiling point is 2510 °C. The density of erbium is 9.066 g/cm³.Erbium is a soft, malleable, and ductile metal that is silvery-white in color. It is relatively stable in air and does not react with water. Erbium is commonly used in nuclear technology, as a neutron absorber, and in the production of alloys. It is also used in fiber optic amplifiers, lasers, and as a colorant in glass and ceramics. Erbium has no known biological role and is not considered toxic. Overall, erbium is an important element with a variety of applications in technology and industry.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element erbium?
There are many everyday objects that contain chemicals or compounds that can be used to teach chemistry concepts. For example, water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and can be used to teach about chemical formulas and the properties of compounds. Salt, which is made up of sodium and chlorine ions, can be used to teach about ionic bonding and the properties of solutions. Baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate, can be used to teach about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases. Other examples include vinegar, which is acetic acid, and aspirin, which is acetylsalicylic acid. By using these everyday objects, students can learn about chemistry concepts in a simple and relatable way.
Differences in the periodic element erbium across states of matter
The state of an element can vary greatly depending on its temperature and pressure. At standard temperature and pressure (STP), most elements are either solids or gases. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, while gases have neither. As temperature and pressure increase, some solids can become liquids, which have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container. As temperature and pressure continue to increase, some liquids can become gases, which have neither a fixed shape nor volume. At extremely high temperatures and pressures, some gases can become plasmas, which are highly ionized and conductive. Plasmas are often found in stars and lightning bolts, and have unique properties such as the ability to emit light.
Is the periodic element erbium dangerous or radioactive?
Erbium is a chemical element with the symbol Er and atomic number 68. It is a rare earth element and is not considered dangerous or radioactive. In fact, erbium is used in various applications such as nuclear reactors, fiber optic amplifiers, and metallurgy. It is also used in the production of certain types of glass and ceramics. While erbium itself is not harmful, it is important to handle it with care as with any other chemical element.
Is the periodic element erbium rare and expensive?
Erbium is a rare earth element that is not commonly found in nature, but it is not considered to be as rare or expensive as some of the other rare earth elements. It is typically found in small quantities in minerals such as gadolinite and monazite, and it is also produced as a byproduct of mining operations for other rare earth elements. While erbium is not as widely used as some other elements, it does have a number of important applications in areas such as nuclear technology, fiber optics, and metallurgy. Overall, while erbium is not as abundant as some other elements, it is not considered to be prohibitively rare or expensive.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!