Dysprosium (Dy)

About Dysprosium

Dysprosium is a chemical element with the symbol Dy and atomic number 66, meaning every atom has 66 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Lanthanide and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 162.500 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Dysprosium sits in group 12, period 6 (lanthanide series), which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Dysprosium

In daily life and industry, Dysprosium is used for Electric motor magnets. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Lanthanide category.

Electron Structure of Dysprosium

Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Dysprosium has 5 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 32, 6 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.

Explore Other Elements

Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.

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