Yttrium (Y): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Yttrium is element 39 on the periodic table, a transition 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 3DYttrium quick facts
| Atomic number | 39 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Y |
| Atomic mass | 88.906 |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 3, period 5 |
| Block | d-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d¹ 5s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 9, 2 |
| Discovered | 1794, Gadolin |
What is yttrium used for?
- Red phosphor in TV screens & LEDs
- Yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) lasers
- High-temperature superconductors
Interesting facts about yttrium
- Four elements are named after Ytterby, a small Swedish village: Y, Yb, Er, Tb
- Yttrium iron garnets are used in microwave radar systems
- YBCO superconductor (yttrium-barium-copper oxide) superconducts at relatively "high" −180°C
Yttrium was discovered in 1794 by Gadolin in Finland.
Where yttrium sits on the periodic table
Yttrium is in group 3, period 5. Tap any element to open its page.
Other transition metals
Yttrium questions
What is the atomic number of yttrium?
Yttrium has atomic number 39, so every yttrium atom has 39 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Y and its atomic mass is 88.906.
Is yttrium a metal?
Yttrium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 3, period 5.
What is the electron configuration of yttrium?
The electron configuration of yttrium is [Kr] 4d¹ 5s². Its electrons sit in 5 shells: 2, 8, 18, 9, 2.
What is yttrium used for?
Yttrium is used for red phosphor in tv screens & leds, yttrium aluminium garnet (yag) lasers and high-temperature superconductors.
Who discovered yttrium?
Yttrium was discovered in 1794 by Gadolin in Finland.
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