Nd
Neodymium is used to make the strongest permanent magnets available.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 144.24 u |
| Density | 7.007 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1297.0 K |
| Boiling Point | 3347.0 K |
| Appearance | Silvery-white with yellowish tinge |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 1.14 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 533.1 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | 184.9 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | +2, +3 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [Xe] 4f4 6s2 |
| Atomic Radius | 181.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 201.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 229.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Carl Auer von Welsbach |
| Discovery Year | 1885 |
| Location | Vienna, Austria |
| Named After | Greek 'neos didymos' meaning new twin |
About Neodymium
Neodymium is a soft, silvery metal and the second most abundant rare earth after cerium. NdFeB magnets are the strongest type of permanent magnet commercially available and essential for modern technology.
Uses & Applications
Powerful permanent magnets (hard drives, headphones, electric motors, wind turbines), lasers, and glass coloring.
Fun Fact
Neodymium magnets are so powerful that two large ones can crush fingers, and they are essential for EV motors and wind turbines.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 142 | 0.27152% | - | Yes |
| 143 | 0.12174% | - | Yes |
| 144 | 0.23798% | 2.29e15 years | No |
| 146 | 0.17189% | - | Yes |
Electron Configuration
[Xe] 4f4 6s2