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Yttrium (Y)
Element with atomic number 39, category: Transition metal, a solid at room temperature.
Element 39 of 118
Transition metal
Yttrium
Group 3, Period 5
Common Uses
LEDs, lasers
Electron Diagram
About Yttrium
Yttrium is a chemical element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39, meaning every atom has 39 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Transition metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 88.906 atomic mass units (u).
On the periodic table, Yttrium sits in group 3, period 5, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.
Uses of Yttrium
In daily life and industry, Yttrium is used for LEDs, lasers. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Transition metal category.
Electron Structure of Yttrium
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), Yttrium has 4 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 11 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.