Lanthanides - Discovery Of The Lanthanides, Properties Of The Lanthanides, Isolation And Production, Uses Of Lanthanides
elements table periodic
The lanthanides are a series of 14 metallic elements that appear at the bottom of the periodic table. Lanthanum, the element preceding the lanthanides in the periodic table, is usually also included in a discussion of the lanthanides since all 15 elements have very similar properties. When first discovered and isolated, the lanthanides were called the rare earth elements. Many uses have been found for these elements and their compounds despite their expense.
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Although once called the rare earths, most lanthanides are not particularly rare in the earth's crust. Today, with the exception of promethium, the lanthanides are known to have abundances comparable to many other elements. The 15 elements, together with their chemical symbols, are lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), europium (Eu),…
Like many metals, the lanthanides have a bright silvery appearance. Five of the elements (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu) are very reactive and when exposed to air react with oxygen to form an oxide coating that tarnishes the surface. For this reason these metals are stored under mineral oil. The remainder of the lanthanides are not as reactive, and some (Gd, Lu) retain their silvery metallic appearance for a…
The lanthanides occur naturally in many minerals but are most concentrated in monazite, a heavy dark sand, found in Brazil, India, Australia, South Africa, and the United States. The composition of monazite varies depending on its location, but generally contains about 50% of lanthanide compounds by weight. Like any group of elements that have similar properties and that occur in nature together, …
Although the lanthanide elements, alloys, and compounds have many uses, less expensive alternatives functioning just as efficiently are used where possible. But despite their cost, the unique properties of the lanthanides do sometimes favor their use over cheaper substances, and millions of tons of lanthanides, in metallic, alloy, and compound form, are produced annually. One of the earliest uses …
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User Comments
about 1 year ago
Edward Moyer
This was not really that useful. Maybe put more information on this for high school students! Thanks!