Ytterbium
| Formula / Notation | Yb |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 173.04 |
| Category | Elements |
What is Ytterbium?
Ytterbium is a soft, malleable silvery lanthanide and rare earth element, also named after Ytterby, Sweden. It has unusual physical properties and shows a valence change under pressure, making it useful for pressure calibration instruments.
Formula & Notation
Properties & Characteristics
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Ytterbium is a soft, malleable silvery lanthanide and rare earth element, also named after Ytterby, Sweden. It has unusual physical properties and shows a valence change under pressure, making it useful for pressure calibration instruments.
Optical fibre amplifiers (Yb-doped fibre amplifiers, YDFAs) — major industrial use. Stainless steel additive (improves mechanical properties). Pressure calibration gauges. Ytterbium-169 in portable X-ray devices. Atomic clocks (optical lattice clocks).
Mildly toxic; irritant. Ytterbium compounds should be handled with care. Radioactive Yb-169 requires radiation safety protocols.
The formula or notation for Ytterbium is: Yb