70
Yb
Ytterbium
173
Ytterbium (Yb)
LanthanidePeriod 6f-block-block
Ytterbium is a chemical element with symbol Yb and atomic number 70. It is the fourteenth and penultimate element in the lanthanide series, which is the basis of the relative stability of its +2 oxidation state. However, like the other lanthanides, its most common oxidation state is +3, seen in its oxide, halides and other compounds.
Latin name: Ytterbium
Atomic Number
70
Atomic Mass
173 g/mol
Phase (STP)
Solid
Electron Config.
[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 6s²
General
SymbolYb
Atomic Number70
Atomic Mass173 g/mol
CategoryLanthanide
Period6
Blockf-block
Electron Configuration[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 6s²
Valence Electrons16
Coloursilvery-white metallic
CAS NumberCAS7440-64-4
Physical Properties
Phase (STP)Solid
Density6.97 g/cm³
Melting Point823.85°C · 1514.93°F · 1097.00 K
Boiling Point1195.85°C · 2184.53°F · 1469.00 K
Atomic Properties
Atomic Radius242 pm
Electronegativity1.1 Pauling
Ionization Energy603 kJ/mol
Oxidation States+3, +2
Ion ChargeYb2+/Yb3+
Thermodynamic
Molar Heat26.74 J/(mol·K)
Crystal Structure
Crystal Structureface-centered cubic
Mechanical Properties
Mohs Hardness2.5
Nuclear & Hazards
Half-lifestable (Yb-174)
Abundance
In Universe0.00002%
In Sun0.00002%
In Earth's Crust0.0340%
In Meteorites0.00009999999999999999%
Discovery & History
Discovery Year1878
Discovered ByJean Charles Galissard de Marignac
Country of DiscoverySwitzerland
Isotopes of Ytterbium
| Isotope | Abundance | Half-life | Decay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yb-168 | 0.123% | Stable | — |
| Yb-170 | 2.982% | Stable | — |
| Yb-171 | 14.09% | Stable | — |
| Yb-172 | 21.68% | Stable | — |
| Yb-173 | 16.103% | Stable | — |
| Yb-174 | 32.026% | Stable | — |
| Yb-176 | 12.996% | Stable | — |