Yttrium (Y)
Transition metal · d-block · period 5 · group 3
Silvery-metallic, fairly soft, corrosion-resistant metal.
Yttrium (symbol Y) is chemical element number 39, a transition metal in group 3, period 5 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 88.906 and its electron configuration is [Kr] 4d1 5s2. At room temperature it is a solid. Named after Ytterby, a Swedish quarry that gave its name to four different elements.
Properties
| Atomic number | 39 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 88.906 |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Block | d-block |
| Group · Period | 3 · 5 |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d1 5s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 9, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1799 K |
| Boiling point | 3203 K |
| Density | 4.472 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.22 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1794 · Johan Gadolin |
Key facts about Yttrium
- Named after Ytterby, a Swedish quarry that gave its name to four different elements.
- A key ingredient of the first high-temperature superconductor (YBCO).
- Yttrium-aluminium-garnet (YAG) crystals are the heart of many industrial and medical lasers.
- Makes the red phosphor in older colour television screens glow.
What Yttrium is used for
Laser crystals, superconductors, LED and display phosphors, strengthening aluminium and magnesium alloys.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Yttrium is in group 3, period 5, of the d-block. Its electron configuration [Kr] 4d1 5s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Yttrium on the interactive table →
Yttrium — frequently asked questions
What is Yttrium used for?
Laser crystals, superconductors, LED and display phosphors, strengthening aluminium and magnesium alloys.
Is Yttrium radioactive?
No. Yttrium has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Yttrium?
Yttrium has the electron configuration [Kr] 4d1 5s2, which is 2, 8, 18, 9, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Yttrium in?
Yttrium is in group 3, period 5, in the d-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Yttrium?
Yttrium was discovered in 1794 by Johan Gadolin.