Europium (Eu)
Lanthanide · f-block · period 6
Soft, silvery metal, about as hard as lead; the most reactive lanthanide.
Europium (symbol Eu) is chemical element number 63, a lanthanide in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 151.96 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f7 6s2. At room temperature it is a solid. Named after the continent of Europe.
Properties
| Atomic number | 63 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 151.96 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Block | f-block |
| Group · Period | f-block series · 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f7 6s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 25, 8, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1099 K |
| Boiling point | 1802 K |
| Density | 5.24 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.2 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1901 · Eugène-Anatole Demarçay |
Key facts about Europium
- Named after the continent of Europe.
- Glows bright red or blue under ultraviolet light — the red pixels of older TVs and the anti-forgery marks on euro banknotes.
- So reactive it must be stored under inert oil or gas.
- The best neutron absorber of all the elements per atom.
What Europium is used for
Red and blue phosphors for screens and lighting, anti-counterfeiting marks, reactor control, medical imaging.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Europium is in the lanthanide series, period 6, of the f-block. Its electron configuration [Xe] 4f7 6s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Europium on the interactive table →
Europium — frequently asked questions
What is Europium used for?
Red and blue phosphors for screens and lighting, anti-counterfeiting marks, reactor control, medical imaging.
Is Europium radioactive?
No. Europium has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Europium?
Europium has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f7 6s2, which is 2, 8, 18, 25, 8, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Europium in?
Europium is in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6, in the f-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Europium?
Europium was discovered in 1901 by Eugène-Anatole Demarçay.