Yttrium is a chemical element with symbol Y and atomic number 39. It is a silvery-metallic transitional metal chemically similar to the lanthanides and it has often been classified as a "rare earth element".
Yttrium is almost always found combined with the lanthanides in rare earth materials and is never found in nature as a free element. Its only stable isotope, 89Y, is also its only naturally occurring isotope.
Yttrium is almost always found combined with the lanthanides in rare earth materials and is never found in nature as a free element. Its only stable isotope, 89Y, is also its only naturally occurring isotope.
The most important use of yttrium is in making phosphors, such as the red ones used in television set cathode ray tube (CRT) displays and in LEDs. Other uses include the production of electrodes, electrolytes, electronic filters, lasers and superconductors; various medical applications; and as traces in various materials to enhance their properties. Yttrium has no known biological role, and exposure to yttrium compounds can cause lung disease in humans.
Now I have more questions. My husband is chemistry/math/physics teacher. I'll ask him.
ReplyDeleteLung disease - not good!
ReplyDeleteYttrium huh? That went over my head.
ReplyDeleteSounds useful but dangerous.
Never heard of it before. It is dangerous isn't it?
ReplyDeleteSo we have mercury in compact florescent light bulbs and yttrium in LEDs... Both bad for our health and dangerous for the ecology. I want my old incandescent bulbs back.
ReplyDeleteI can't even pronounce that word!
ReplyDeleteLike so many, I've never heard of this, but why should I if I'm not a scientist! Wow, seems like its use is controversial. Thanks for the new information!
ReplyDeleteWho names these things? LOL. Who figures out how to use them?
ReplyDeleteI have to thank you. I've been using your blog posts in my classroom. My kids are fascinated.
ReplyDeleteFun post! Makes me think of the game that Sheldon tried to play with Penny in the car on The Big Bang Theory where they would name elements and the next person had to name an element that started with the last letter of the element the other person just named. If you have time, and want to, you can check out my Y post.
ReplyDeleteHi Sephen .. I know of this metal as one of the rare earth minerals ... and essential to our modern world .. a great choice for Y - even if it's dangerous ... and that's great Leslie is using your posts in her class - I'm sure I would too ..
ReplyDeleteCheers Hilary