Yb
Ytterbium is used in atomic clocks more precise than cesium clocks.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 173.05 u |
| Density | 6.965 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1097.0 K |
| Boiling Point | 1469.0 K |
| Appearance | Silvery-white metallic |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 1.1 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 603.4 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | -1.93 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | +2, +3 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [Xe] 4f14 6s2 |
| Atomic Radius | 176.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 187.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 242.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac |
| Discovery Year | 1878 |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Named After | Ytterby, a village in Sweden |
About Ytterbium
Ytterbium is a soft, malleable rare earth element that slowly oxidizes in air. Ytterbium atomic clocks are even more precise than cesium clocks.
Uses & Applications
Atomic clocks, stress gauges, metallurgical additive, fiber optic amplifiers, and dental porcelain.
Fun Fact
Ytterbium atomic clocks are so precise they could detect gravitational time dilation from raising the clock just one centimeter.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 171 | 0.1409% | - | Yes |
| 172 | 0.2168% | - | Yes |
| 173 | 0.1633% | - | Yes |
| 174 | 0.3183% | - | Yes |
Electron Configuration
[Xe] 4f14 6s2