Terbium is a chemical element with the symbol Tb and atomic number 65. It is a silver-gray metal that belongs to the rare earth group. The spelling of "terbium" is pronounced /ˈtɜːrbiəm/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first syllable "ter" is pronounced with the same vowel sound as "her" or "fir". The second syllable "bi" is pronounced with a short "i" sound like "bit" or "tip". The final syllable "um" is pronounced with a schwa sound like the unstressed syllable in "item" or "medium".
Terbium is a chemical element represented by the symbol Tb and the atomic number 65. It belongs to the lanthanide series of elements and is classified as a rare earth metal. Terbium is named after the village of Ytterby in Sweden, where it was first discovered in 1843 by Carl Gustaf Mosander.
This silvery-white metal has a relatively high melting point and is very malleable and ductile. Terbium is primarily used for its unique optical and magnetic properties. It is an essential component in a variety of technological applications, particularly in color television and computer screens due to its ability to emit green light. Terbium compounds are utilized as phosphors, which are substances that can absorb energy and emit light at specific wavelengths.
In addition to its optical properties, terbium acts as a strong paramagnetic material, meaning it is attracted to magnetic fields. This characteristic makes it useful in the manufacturing of electronic devices like sensors and lasers. Terbium is also employed in certain medical and scientific instruments, such as X-ray machines, as well as in the production of alloys to enhance properties like heat resistance.
Overall, terbium is an important element with diverse applications ranging from electronics and optics to medicine and research. Its unique properties make it a valuable component for numerous technological advancements.
A rare metallic element, symbol Tb, atomic weight 159.2.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "terbium" comes from the Latin word "Ytterby", which is the name of a village in Sweden. The mineral terbium was first discovered in Ytterby in 1843 by Swedish chemist Carl Gustav Mosander. As a result, he named the element "terbium" after the village where it was found. Ytterby, in turn, got its name from the Old Norse words "itri" (meaning "island") and "bý" (meaning "village").