Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Tb |
| Atomic Number | 65 |
| Atomic Mass | 158.93 u |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Period | 6 |
| Group | 3 |
| Block | f |
| Electron Configuration | [Xe] 4f⁹ 6s² |
History and Discovery
Discovered by: Carl Gustaf Mosander Year of Discovery: 1843 Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Etymology
Named after Ytterby, Sweden, where the mineral ytterbite was found.
Applications and Uses
- Green phosphors in displays and fluorescent lamps
- Terfenol-D magnetostrictive alloy (sonar, speakers)
- Solid-state devices
- Fuel cells
- X-ray detection
Interesting Facts
- One of four elements named after Ytterby, Sweden
- Terfenol-D changes shape dramatically in magnetic fields
- Used in naval sonar systems
- Rare and expensive