Ytterbium (Yb): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Ytterbium is element 70 on the periodic table, a lanthanide, so it is a metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DYtterbium quick facts
| Atomic number | 70 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Yb |
| Atomic mass | 173.054 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Series and period | Lanthanides, period 6 |
| Block | f-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 6s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 8, 2 |
| Discovered | 1878, de Marignac |
What is ytterbium used for?
- Atomic clock standards
- Fibre laser gain medium
- Radiation dose monitoring
Interesting facts about ytterbium
- Ytterbium atomic clocks are 100× more precise than caesium atomic clocks
- Named after Ytterby village. One of the four elements with this name origin
- Ytterbium's properties change dramatically under high pressure. Becomes a superconductor
Ytterbium was discovered in 1878 by de Marignac in Switzerland.
Where ytterbium sits on the periodic table
Ytterbium is in the lanthanide series (period 6). Tap any element to open its page.
Other lanthanides
Ytterbium questions
What is the atomic number of ytterbium?
Ytterbium has atomic number 70, so every ytterbium atom has 70 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Yb and its atomic mass is 173.054.
Is ytterbium a metal?
Ytterbium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a lanthanide, found in the lanthanide series (period 6).
What is the electron configuration of ytterbium?
The electron configuration of ytterbium is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 6s². Its electrons sit in 6 shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 8, 2.
What is ytterbium used for?
Ytterbium is used for atomic clock standards, fibre laser gain medium and radiation dose monitoring.
Who discovered ytterbium?
Ytterbium was discovered in 1878 by de Marignac in Switzerland.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.