66 Dy Dysprosium 162.5001

Dysprosium

LANTHANIDE
Bohr Model: Electrons arranged in energy shells around the nucleus.

Dysprosium is a chemical element with the symbol Dy and atomic number 66. It is a rare earth element with a metallic silver luster. Dysprosium is never found in nature as a free element, though it is found in various minerals, such as xenotime.

Quick Facts

Atomic Number 66
Period 6
Group 12
Phase Solid
Appearance silvery white
About Lanthanides

Lanthanides are shiny metallic elements with atomic numbers 57–71. They are often called 'rare-earth elements' and are used in magnets and lasers.

History

Discovered By Lecoq de Boisbaudran
Named By Unknown

Physical Properties

Atomic Mass 162.5001
Density 8.54 g/L
Molar Heat 27.7 J/(mol·K)
Phase Transition (Melting & Boiling Points)

Dysprosium melts at 1680 K and boils at 2840 K.

Atomic Properties

Electron Config [Xe] 4f10 6s2
Electronegativity 1.22
Electron Affinity 33.96 kJ/mol
Ionization Energy 573 kJ/mol
Orbital Filling Diagram
This diagram visualizes electron configuration according to the Aufbau principle and Hund's rule. Boxes represent orbitals (s, p, d, f), while arrows indicate electrons with spin up or down. Electrons fill lower energy levels first and occupy orbitals singly before pairing.

Photograph

Image of Dysprosium Source: Wikipedia

External Resources

Study Guide

Atomic Number

The number of protons in the nucleus, which defines the element.

Atomic Mass

The average mass of an atom, including protons and neutrons.

Electronegativity

A measure of how strongly an atom attracts electrons in a bond.

Ionization Energy

The energy required to remove an electron from an atom.

Electron Config

The arrangement of electrons in the atom's energy shells.