Dysprosium (symbol Dy, atomic number 66) is a rare-earth metal added to magnets to keep them strong at high temperature. It is classified as a lanthanide and sits in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6 of the periodic table.
Overview
Dysprosium is the chemical element with atomic number 66 and the symbol Dy. With a standard atomic weight of 162.5, it is a lanthanide. In the periodic table it occupies the lanthanide series (f-block) and period 6, and under standard conditions it is normally a solid. Dysprosium is a rare-earth metal added to magnets to keep them strong at high temperature.
Atomic structure
An atom of Dysprosium has 66 protons in its nucleus and, when neutral, 66 electrons arranged in the configuration [Xe] 4f10 6s2. Its standard atomic weight of 162.5 reflects the natural mix of its stable isotopes.
Discovery and place in the table
Dysprosium was discovered in 1886 by Lecoq de Boisbaudran. It follows Terbium (Tb) and precedes Holmium (Ho) in order of atomic number.
| Atomic number | 66 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Dy |
| Atomic mass | 162.5 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Group | — |
| Period | 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f10 6s2 |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Discovered | 1886 (Lecoq de Boisbaudran) |