Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be exploring the fascinating element known as thulium. Thulium is a rare earth metal that is often used in high-tech applications such as lasers and nuclear reactors. Despite its rarity, thulium has some interesting properties that make it a valuable addition to the periodic table. So, let’s dive in and learn more about this unique element!
The Periodic Element Thulium Overview
Thulium is a rare earth element with the symbol Tm and atomic number 69. Its atomic mass is 168.9342 u. Thulium has 100 neutrons, 69 protons, and 69 electrons. It belongs to the lanthanide series and is located in period 6 and group 3 of the periodic table. Thulium is a soft, silvery-white metal that is relatively stable in air. It is a rare earth metal and is classified as a lanthanide.Thulium is a metal with an electronegativity of 1.25. Its specific heat capacity is 16.24 J/(mol·K), and its melting point is 1,545 °C (2,813 °F). The boiling point of thulium is 1,950 °C (3,540 °F), and its density is 9.32 g/cm³. Thulium is a relatively rare element and is not found in large quantities in the Earth’s crust. It is primarily used in scientific research and in the production of portable X-ray machines.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element thulium?
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 everyday objects that contain chemicals, students can learn about chemistry concepts in a simple and relatable way.
Differences in the periodic element thulium 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 thulium dangerous or radioactive?
Thulium is a chemical element with the symbol Tm and atomic number 69. It is a rare earth metal that is not considered to be dangerous or radioactive. Thulium has no known biological role in humans and is not commonly encountered in everyday life. While it can be toxic in large amounts, it is not considered to be a significant health hazard. Thulium is used in various applications, including in lasers, portable X-ray machines, and nuclear reactors. Overall, thulium is a relatively safe and non-toxic element.
Is the periodic element thulium rare and expensive?
Yes, thulium is a rare and expensive element. It is a lanthanide series element and is found in small amounts in the Earth’s crust. Thulium is primarily obtained from the minerals monazite and xenotime, which are found in very limited quantities. The cost of thulium can vary depending on the purity and quantity required, but it is generally considered to be one of the more expensive rare earth elements. Due to its rarity and cost, thulium is not commonly used in everyday applications and is primarily used in specialized fields such as nuclear medicine and high-tech research.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!