Er
Erbium is critically important for fiber optic telecommunications.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 167.26 u |
| Density | 9.066 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1802.0 K |
| Boiling Point | 3141.0 K |
| Appearance | Silvery-white metallic with pinkish tinge |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 1.24 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 589.3 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | 30.1 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | +2, +3 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [Xe] 4f12 6s2 |
| Atomic Radius | 176.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 189.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 235.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Carl Gustaf Mosander |
| Discovery Year | 1843 |
| Location | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Named After | Ytterby, a village in Sweden |
About Erbium
Erbium is a silvery-white, soft metal whose salts have a characteristic pink color. Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) boost optical signals without electrical conversion, enabling modern internet.
Uses & Applications
Fiber optic amplifiers (EDFAs), metallurgical additive, laser surgery, and pink glass colorant.
Fun Fact
Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers are the backbone of the internet, boosting light signals across ocean floors.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 166 | 0.33503% | - | Yes |
| 167 | 0.22869% | - | Yes |
| 168 | 0.26978% | - | Yes |
Electron Configuration
[Xe] 4f12 6s2