Neodymium
You can call it Nd for short though
Periodic Table Information
- Where it is on the table: Neodymium can be found in the little row of rare earth metals at the bottom of the table.
- Family/Group: Neodymium belongs to the Lanthanide (rare earth metals) family.
- Period: It belongs in Period 6 on the Periodic Table.
- Atomic Number: The atomic number is 60.
- Atomic Mass: Neodymium's atomic mass is 144.242.
- Number of protons, electrons, and neutrons: It has 60 protons, 60 electrons, and 84 neutrons.
- Symbol: The symbol for Neodymium is Nd.
Discovery
Neodymium is a component of misch metal. It was discovered by Carl F. Auer von Welsbach in 1885. He found it in Vienna, Austria as a coumpound, Didymium. Welsbach separated it, creating Neodymium and Praseodymium.
Occurrence in nature and Uses
Neodymium is the most abundant of rare earth metals. It is widespread through the Earth's crust and is never being found in its free form. The most common ores of Neodymium are found in Monazite and Bastnastie. Neodymium is mostly mixed with iron and boron to create powerful permanent magnets called NIB magnets. They're used in objects such as: Computers, cellphones, wind turbines, motors, toys, etc. Neodymium is also used as a crystal in lasers.
Physical Properties
Neodymium is soft, slivery-white metal. It is to be hammered down into thin sheets, and can be cut and shaped fairly easily. The melting point is 1294 K, and the boiling point is 3347 K. The density for Neodymium is 7.0 grams per cubic centimeter.
Chemical Properties
Neodymium is somewhat reactive. When it combines with oxygen, it loses its luster and covered in a yellow coating. When it comes in contact with water or acid, it releases hydrogen gas.
Fun Facts!
- There are five naturally occurring stable isotopes of Neodymium.
- Neodymium and its "brother", Praseodymium, are the elemental twins.
- The origin of Neodymium is Greek, meaning "new twin".
- A NIB magnet of just a few grams can lift roughly 1,000 times its weight.
- It costs one dollar per gram.
Sources
Hannah Ross
Mr. Miller
Physical Science
17 December 2014
- http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele060.html
- http://www.webelements.com/neodymium/
- http://www.chemistryexplained.com/elements/L-P/Neodymium.html
- http://www.knowledgedoor.com/2/elements_handbook/neodymium.html
- http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/60/neodymium
- http://www.softschools.com/facts/periodic_table/neodymium_facts/363/
- http://www.chemicool.com/elements/neodymium.html
- http://neodymiumfacts.com/
- http://www.hobart.k12.in.us/ksms/PeriodicTable/neodymium.htm
- http://neodymium7.weebly.com/facts.html