Ytterbium was discovered in 1878 by the Swiss chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac. He identified a new component in the earth then known as erbium oxide (erbia) obtained from the mineral gadolinite.
This discovery took place in the same quarry in Ytterby, Sweden, which also lent its name to yttrium, erbium, and terbium. Marignac named the new element ytterbium, following the tradition of connecting the element to its place of discovery. The pure metallic form of ytterbium was isolated much later.
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- Symbol: Yb
- Atomic Number: 70
- Atomic Weight: 173.045
- Element Classification: Lanthanide
- Discovered By: Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac
- Discovery Date: 1878
- Name Origin: Named after Ytterby, a village in Sweden, where its mineral was first found
- Density(g/cc): 6.90
- Melting Point: 819°C
- Boiling Point: 1196°C
- Appearance: Silvery-white, soft, malleable, and ductile metal
- Atomic Radius(pm): 176
Relation to Other Elements
Ytterbium is a member of the lanthanide series, elements known for their similar chemical behaviors and physical properties. It exhibits typical lanthanide properties, such as forming trivalent ions, but is unique among lanthanides due to its stable divalent state, which is similar to alkaline earth metals. Ytterbium has several isotopes, some of which are stable, making it useful in various scientific applications.
Natural Occurrence
Ytterbium, like other lanthanides, is not found free in nature. It occurs in several minerals, including xenotime, monazite, and bastnasite, often in association with other rare earth elements. These minerals are mined for their rare earth content, and ytterbium is extracted through a series of chemical separations.
Uses
Ytterbium has a few specialized applications:
- Fiber Optic Communications: Ytterbium-doped fiber amplifiers are used in fiber optic communication systems to amplify signals, allowing for long-distance communication without the need for repeaters.
- Lasers: Ytterbium-doped lasers are utilized in industrial applications for cutting and welding, as well as in medical procedures for non-invasive surgery.
- Nuclear Physics: Ytterbium isotopes are used in nuclear physics research, including studies of the atomic nucleus and fundamental symmetries.
- Material Science: Ytterbium compounds are studied for potential use in electronic, magnetic, and luminescent materials.
The discovery of ytterbium expanded the list of known lanthanides and contributed to the development of modern technologies, especially in telecommunications and laser technology. Its applications, though specialized, highlight the importance of rare earth elements in advancing scientific and industrial capabilities.