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yttrium

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Secondary Information

Definition

Yttrium is a chemical element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39. It is a soft, silvery-metallic transition metal that is the third element in the lanthanide series, which is the group of elements that follows lanthanum in the periodic table.

Yttrium is a rare-earth element, meaning that it is not found in abundance in the Earth's crust. It is typically found in combination with other rare-earth elements, such as erbium and terbium.

Yttrium is a relatively inert element, meaning that it does not react easily with other elements. It is also a diamagnetic element, meaning that it is repelled by a magnetic field.

Yttrium has a number of applications, including:

  • Lasers: Yttrium is used in lasers that emit light in the infrared and visible spectrum.
  • Magnets: Yttrium is used in magnets that are used in a variety of applications, such as MRI machines and hard drives.
  • Phosphors: Yttrium is used in phosphors that convert light into other forms of energy, such as electricity.
  • Medical isotopes: Yttrium is used in the production of medical isotopes, which are used in a variety of medical procedures.
  • Yttrium is also used in the production of high-strength alloys and in the manufacture of ceramics and glass. It is a promising candidate for use in future technologies, such as solid-state lighting and energy storage.

How can the word be used?

Yttrium chloride is a white, crystalline solid that is used in fluorescent lamps and other lighting devices.

yttrium

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • yttrium (a chemical element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39).
  • yttrium oxide (a white, crystalline solid with the formula Y2O3).
  • yttrium chloride (a white, crystalline solid with the formula YCl3).

Adjective:

  • yttrium-based (made from or containing yttrium).
  • yttrium-doped (containing yttrium atoms that have been added to another substance).

Etymology

The word "yttrium" comes from the name of the Swedish town of Ytterby, where it was first discovered. The word "yttrium" is a modern Latin word, coined by the Swedish chemist Carl Gustaf Mosander in 1879. Mosander named the element after Ytterby, a town in Sweden where the mineral ytterbite was found, which contained the new element.

Question

What can yttrium be used for?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the significance of yttrium in the field of materials science and its role in enhancing the properties of alloys and ceramics. Discuss how yttrium's ability to stabilise crystal structures contributes to improved mechanical and thermal properties.

Answer:

Yttrium, a transition metal, holds significant importance in materials science due to its ability to modify and enhance the properties of alloys and ceramics. One of its notable contributions is its role as a stabilising element, particularly in high-temperature applications.

In alloys, yttrium is added in small quantities to impart desirable properties. Yttrium's presence can improve high-temperature strength, corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties. For instance, yttrium-stabilised zirconia is used as a thermal barrier coating in aerospace engines, protecting components from extreme temperatures.

Yttrium's influence extends to ceramics as well. It can stabilise crystal structures and prevent grain growth at high temperatures. This results in improved mechanical strength, fracture toughness, and thermal shock resistance. Yttrium-doped ceramics find applications in industries ranging from electronics to medical devices.