Dysprosium
Definition and meaning of Dysprosium in chemistry.
Dysprosium is a chemical element with the symbol Dy and atomic number 66. It is a rare earth element characterized by a bright, silvery metallic luster that belongs to the lanthanide series. The metal is soft enough to be cut with a knife and can be machined without sparking if overheating is avoided.
In more detail
Dysprosium is found in a variety of minerals including xenotime, fergusonite, and gadolinite, but it is primarily extracted from monazite and bastnasite sands. In the periodic table, it resides in the f-block among the heavy lanthanides and is noted for having one of the highest magnetic strengths of any element, alongside holmium. It maintains a ferromagnetic state at very low temperatures but transitions to an antiferromagnetic state before becoming paramagnetic at room temperature. Chemically, it oxidizes slowly in air and burns readily to form dysprosium(III) oxide. The element dissolves easily in mineral acids and forms pale yellow or greenish-yellow salts. Because of its high thermal neutron absorption cross-section and exceptional magnetic susceptibility, it is highly useful in nuclear reactor control rods and high-performance permanent magnets.
Key facts
| Field | General Chemistry |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Dy |
| Atomic number | 66 |
| Atomic mass | 162.50 u |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Boiling point | 2562 °C |
| Year discovered | 1886 |
Dysprosium is added to neodymium-iron-boron magnets to increase their coercivity, allowing the magnets to operate at higher temperatures in electric vehicle motors and wind turbines.
Frequently asked questions
Why is dysprosium important for clean energy?
It is crucial for maintaining the performance of neodymium magnets at the high temperatures generated in electric vehicle motors and wind turbine generators.
Does dysprosium react with water?
Yes, it reacts slowly with cold water and quite quickly with hot water to form dysprosium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.