Dysprosium (Dy)
Lanthanide · f-block · period 6
Bright silvery metal, soft enough to machine.
Dysprosium (symbol Dy) is chemical element number 66, a lanthanide in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 162.50 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f10 6s2. At room temperature it is a solid. Its name is Greek for 'hard to get at'.
Properties
| Atomic number | 66 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 162.50 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Block | f-block |
| Group · Period | f-block series · 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f10 6s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 28, 8, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1680 K |
| Boiling point | 2840 K |
| Density | 8.55 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.22 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1886 · Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran |
Key facts about Dysprosium
- Its name is Greek for 'hard to get at'.
- Added to neodymium magnets so they keep their strength inside hot electric-car motors and wind turbines.
- Has one of the strongest magnetic responses of any element at low temperature.
- Absorbs neutrons well, so it goes into reactor control rods.
What Dysprosium is used for
Heat-resistant magnet additive, reactor control rods, magnetic cooling, laser materials, hard-disk data storage.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Dysprosium is in the lanthanide series, period 6, of the f-block. Its electron configuration [Xe] 4f10 6s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Dysprosium on the interactive table →
Dysprosium — frequently asked questions
What is Dysprosium used for?
Heat-resistant magnet additive, reactor control rods, magnetic cooling, laser materials, hard-disk data storage.
Is Dysprosium radioactive?
No. Dysprosium has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Dysprosium?
Dysprosium has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f10 6s2, which is 2, 8, 18, 28, 8, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Dysprosium in?
Dysprosium is in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6, in the f-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Dysprosium?
Dysprosium was discovered in 1886 by Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran.