Yttrium (Y)
Transition metal
Yttrium is a silvery transition metal that spends its career behind the scenes: it gave old TVs their red phosphor glow, toughens ceramics, and forms the crystal in YAG lasers used in surgery, dentistry and industry.
Position on the periodic table
Atomic properties
| Atomic number | 39 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 88.9058 amu |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d1 |
| Noble gas shorthand | [Kr] 4d1 5s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 9, 2 |
| Valence electrons (outer shell) | 2 |
| Common oxidation states | +3 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.22 |
| Covalent radius (approx.) | 190 pm |
| First ionization energy | 600 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 29.6 kJ/mol |
Physical properties
| State at 25 °C | Solid |
|---|---|
| Density | 4.472 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 1525.8 °C (1799 K) |
| Boiling point | 2929.8 °C (3203 K) |
| Appearance | silvery white |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | Occurs naturally |
Electron configuration of yttrium
Yttrium's ground-state electron configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d1, usually shortened to [Kr] 4d1 5s2. Its electrons occupy 5 shells (2, 8, 18, 9, 2), placing it in period 5 of the d-block. Explore it interactively in the electron configuration calculator.
Uses of yttrium
- Red phosphors for displays and LEDs
- YAG laser crystals
- Toughened ceramics and superalloys
- High-temperature superconductors (YBCO)
Biological role: None known.
Occurrence: Found with the rare-earth elements in minerals like xenotime.
Common compounds of yttrium
Y2O3
Yttrium oxide
History and discovery
Discovered: 1794 — Johan Gadolin. Name origin: Named after Ytterby, Sweden, site of the quarry where its mineral was found.
Johan Gadolin analysed a black Ytterby mineral in 1794, opening the whole rare-earth chapter of chemistry.
Safety notes
Low everyday risk; fine powders are mildly hazardous if inhaled.
Educational context only — always follow your school's laboratory rules and never handle chemicals without proper supervision. See our disclaimer.
Practice questions
Quick practice: Yttrium
1. What is the chemical symbol of Yttrium?
2. What is the atomic number of Yttrium?
3. Which category does Yttrium belong to?
4. What is the state of Yttrium at room temperature?
5. Which period of the periodic table is Yttrium in?
Yttrium FAQs
What is the atomic number of yttrium?
Yttrium's atomic number is 39 — every yttrium atom has 39 protons in its nucleus.
What is the symbol for yttrium?
Y. Named after Ytterby, Sweden, site of the quarry where its mineral was found.
Is yttrium a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Yttrium is classified as a transition metal.
What state is yttrium at room temperature?
At about 25 °C, yttrium is a solid. It melts at 1525.8 °C.
What is yttrium used for?
Key uses include: red phosphors for displays and leds; yag laser crystals; toughened ceramics and superalloys.
Related elements
Keep working with this element
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