A rare trivalent metallic element, found in gadolinite and other minerals. Symbol: Y, at. wt.: 88.905, at. no.: 39, sp. gr.: 4.47. Cf."rare-earth element."
Yttrium has a silver-metallic luster and is relatively stable in air unless finely divided. Turnings of the metal, however, ignite in air if their temperature exceeds 400oC. Yttrium oxide is one of the most important compounds of yttrium and accounts for the largest use. It is widely used in making YVO4 europium, and Y2O3 europium phosphors to give the red color in color television tubes.
Latest Articles
-
Gas of rotten eggs
If you happen to break a rotten egg, then you know the smell of hydrogen sulfide, because the stench of the spoiled egg depends on of its presence in rotting protein substances.
-
Harmful Chemicals Found In Food
It's getting close to New Years and many people are starting to think about how to lose those extra pounds they managed to gain over the holidays. There are many sorts of diets and fads that have developed over the years from cutting carbs to cutting protein. Everyone has their own opinion as to...
-
Diamonds Are Forever
Diamonds are still a girl's best friend, right? We love the shiny gems. They are the most popular rocks sold today. But what exactly are they, anyway? Where do they come from? What else are they used for?
-
Chemistry of the sky
Chemistry can teach us about the composition of celestial bodies and determine their age.
-
What are Compound Microscopes?
Most of the microscopes used today are compound. A compound microscope features two or more lenses. A hollow cylinder called the tube connects the two lenses. The top lens, the one people look through, is called the eyepiece. The bottom lens is known as the objective lens. Below the two lenses is...
Most Popular
Spectrum
Display of component wavelengths (colours) of electromagnetic radiation.
Alpha (a) Particle
Helium ion with 2+ charge, an assembly of two protons and two neutrons.
Chain Reaction
A reaction that, once initiated, sustains itself and expands. This is a reaction in which reactive species, such as radicals, are produced in more than one step. These reactive species, radicals, propagate the chain reaction.
Adhesive Forces
Forces of attraction between a liquid and another surface.
Mass
A measure of the amount of matter in an object. Mass is usually measured in grams or kilograms.
Allotropic Modifications (Allotropes)
Different forms of the same element in the same physical state.
Oxidation Numbers
Arbitrary numbers that can be used as mechanical aids in writing formulas and balancing equations, for single- atom ions they correspond to the charge on the ion, more electronegative atoms are assigned negative oxidation numbers (also called Oxidation states).
yttria
Y2O3: A white, water-insoluble powder, Y2O3, used chiefly in incandescent gas and acetylene mantles.
Nuclear Binding Energy
Energy equivalent of the mass deficiency, energy released in the formation of an atom from the subatomic particles.
Percent Composition
The mass percent of each element in a compound.
