Ytterbium (symbol Yb, atomic number 70) is a rare-earth metal used in atomic clocks and as a doping agent in lasers. It is classified as a lanthanide and sits in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6 of the periodic table.
Overview
Ytterbium is the chemical element with atomic number 70 and the symbol Yb. With a standard atomic weight of 173.05, 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. Ytterbium is a rare-earth metal used in atomic clocks and as a doping agent in lasers.
Atomic structure
An atom of Ytterbium has 70 protons in its nucleus and, when neutral, 70 electrons arranged in the configuration [Xe] 4f14 6s2. Its standard atomic weight of 173.05 reflects the natural mix of its stable isotopes.
Discovery and place in the table
Ytterbium was discovered in 1878 by Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac. It follows Thulium (Tm) and precedes Lutetium (Lu) in order of atomic number.
| Atomic number | 70 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Yb |
| Atomic mass | 173.05 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Group | — |
| Period | 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f14 6s2 |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Discovered | 1878 (Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac) |