Erbium
Atomic Number: 68
Symbol: Er
Atomic Weight: 167.26
Discovery: Carl Mosander 1842 or 1843 (Sweden)
Electron Configuration: [Xe] 4f12 6s2
Word Origin: Ytterby, a town in Sweden
Isotopes: Natural erbium is a mix of six stable isotopes. Nine radioactive isotopes are also recognized.
Properties: The melting point of erbium is 159°C, boiling point is 2863°C, specific gravity is 9.066 (25°C), and valence is 3. Pure erbium metal is soft and malleable with a bright silvery metallic luster. The metal is fairly stable in air.
Uses: Erbium has nuclear and metallurgical uses. It may be added to other metals to lower hardness and improve workability. Erbium oxide is used as a pink colorant in glass and porcelain glaze.
Element Classification: Rare Earth (Lanthanide)
Density (g/cc): 9.06
Melting Point (K): 1802
Boiling Point (K): 3136
Appearance: soft, malleable, silvery metal
Atomic Radius (pm): 178
Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 18.4
Covalent Radius (pm): 157
Ionic Radius: 88.1 (+3e)
Specific Heat (@20°C J/g mol): 0.168
Evaporation Heat (kJ/mol): 317
Pauling Negativity Number: 1.24
First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): 581
Oxidation States: 3
Lattice Structure: Hexagonal
Lattice Constant (Å): 3.560
Lattice C/A Ratio: 1.570
References: Los Alamos National Laboratory (2001), Crescent Chemical Company (2001), Lange's Handbook of Chemistry (1952), CRC Handbook of Chemistry & Physics (18th Ed.)
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