Yttrium is a chemical element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39. The word "yttrium" comes from the Swedish village of Ytterby, where the element was first discovered. Its spelling is pronounced as /ˈɪtriəm/, with the letter "y" being pronounced as "i" and "u" as "ə" in the International Phonetic Alphabet. This rare earth metal is used in various industries, including electronics and medical imaging. Yttrium has unique properties that make it useful in producing superconductors, lasers, and cancer-fighting drugs.
Yttrium is a chemical element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39. It is a silvery, lustrous, and transition metal that belongs to the group of rare earth elements. Yttrium is named after the small village of Ytterby in Sweden, where it was initially discovered.
In terms of its physical and chemical properties, yttrium is a moderately soft metal that possesses high melting and boiling points. It is highly resistant to corrosion and reacts slowly with water and acids. Yttrium also exhibits good electrical conductivity and can form stable compounds with oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen.
Yttrium finds various applications due to its unique properties. It is often employed as a phosphor in television screens, fluorescent lamps, and LEDs, providing a red or blue color. Additionally, it is utilized in the production of superconductors, lasers, and various alloy compositions. Yttrium oxide is utilized as a catalyst in the petroleum industry to increase the efficiency of various chemical processes.
Furthermore, yttrium has been used in medical imaging to enhance the visibility of certain body tissues during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Its compounds have also been explored for potential applications in cancer treatment, as they have shown the ability to inhibit the growth of tumor cells.
In summary, yttrium is a versatile and valuable element that plays a crucial role in various technological and industrial applications, ranging from electronics to medicine.
A metallic element, symbol Y, atomic weight 89.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The metallic basis of the earth yttria, when pure, appearing as a fine white powder.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "yttrium" derives from the name of the Swedish village Ytterby, located on the island of Resarö in Stockholm archipelago. Ytterby gained prominence for its rich deposits of rare earth elements, including yttrium. Many elemental discoveries were made based on minerals found in Ytterby, and several of these new elements were named after the village. Yttrium was named in 1794 by the Finnish chemist Johan Gadolin in honor of the mineral-rich location.