Europium

 

 

Name Europium
Symbol Eu
Atomic Number 63
Atomic Mass 151.964 atomic mass units
Number of Protons 63
Number of Neutrons 89
Number of Electrons 63
Melting Point 822.0° C
Boiling Point 1597.0° C
Density 5.259 grams per cubic centimeter
Normal Phase Solid
Family Rare Earth Metals
Period 6
Cost $3600 per 100 grams

 

 

Origin of Name After Europe
Date and Place of Discovery In 1896 in France
Discovered by Eugène-Antole Demarçay
Common Compounds
Interesting facts
  • It is the most reactive of all the rare earth elements.
  • It oxidizes quickly in the air.
  • It will ignite in air about 150° C to 180° C.
  • It is hard as lead and very ductile.
  • When mixed with water, its reaction is similar to calcium.
  • It absorbs neutrons well and is being studied for use in nuclear reactors.
  • It is the rarest and most costly of all the rare earth elements.
Common Uses
  • Down syndrome screening
  • Plastics used to make lasers
  • Televisions
  • Yttrium based phosphors
  • Fluorescent lamps
  • Anti-counterfeiting devices in Euro banknotes
  • Study of igneous rocks

 

Photo Courtesy of About.com
Chemical Elements
Jefferson Lab
Web Elements
Wikipedia


Europium Atomic Structure Elements by Name Elements by Number Home