Europium

Europium
Symbol Eu
Atomic Number 63
Atomic Mass 151.964 amu
Discovered by Eugène-Anatole Demarçay in 1901

Chemical Properties of Europium

Group Lanthanides Melting point 822°C, 1512°F, 1095 K
Period 6 Boiling point 1529°C, 2784°F, 1802 K
Block f Density (g cm−3) 5.24
Atomic number 63 Relative atomic mass 151.964
State at 20°C Solid Key isotopes 153Eu
Electron configuration [Xe] 4f76s2 CAS number 7440-53-1
ChemSpider ID 22417 ChemSpider is a free chemical structure database

What is Europium?

  • Europium is not found freely in nature. Most of the minerals comprise europium with the vital sources being monazite and bastnasite.
  • It is a soft white-silvery metal. The enrichment or depletion of europium in minerals related to other rare earth elements is termed as europium anomaly.

Uses of Europium

  • It is used as control rods in nuclear reactors due to its effectiveness in absorbing neutrons.
  • Europium oxide has its application as a phosphor activator.
  • Europium-doped plastics are used as laser materials and for making thin superconducting alloys.
  • It is used in the euro currency as an anti-forgery measure.

Properties of Europium

  • Europium is a member of the lanthanides group of elements. It is the most active element among the lanthanides.
  • It reacts very quickly with water and gives off hydrogen. It reacts strongly with oxygen in the air and spontaneously catches fire.
  • There are two stable isotopes of Europium that exist in nature, europium-151 and europium-153.
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