Praseodymium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งช
praseodymium
[prฤ-zฤ-ษ-หdฤซ-mฤ-ษm ]
Definition
chemical element
Praseodymium is a chemical element with the symbol Pr and atomic number 59. It is a soft, silvery-white, malleable and ductile metal that belongs to the lanthanide series of the periodic table. Praseodymium is known for its role in various alloys, especially with magnesium, as it enhances the strength and corrosion resistance of the alloy. It is typically found in nature combined with other lanthanides and is primarily extracted from minerals such as monazite and bastnรคsite. This element is used in high-strength alloys and in the production of certain types of glass and ceramics.
Examples of usage
- Praseodymium is often used in making high-performance magnets.
- The alloy containing praseodymium is used in jet engines.
- Praseodymium compounds are important in certain types of glass.
- You can find praseodymium in some lighting technologies.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Praseodymium is used in various applications, including making strong magnets and as an alloying agent in metallurgy.
- It is one of the 15 lanthanides, known for its unique electronic properties and position in the periodic table.
Technology
- The metal is key in manufacturing certain types of glass and ceramics, providing rich yellow and green hues.
- It is utilized in high-performance magnets found in electric vehicles and wind turbines.
History
- During World War II, praseodymium was strategically mined to support military applications, underscoring its importance.
- The element has been less studied than others, often overshadowed by its more famous counterparts like Neodymium.
Pop Culture
- In the world of chemistry, praseodymium is often mentioned in educational material and documentaries about rare elements.
- It has appeared in various science fiction literature, symbolizing advanced technology due to its rare and futuristic nature.
Origin of 'praseodymium'
Main points about word origin
- The name comes from the Greek words 'praseos,' meaning 'leek green', and 'dynamis,' meaning 'power', reflecting the metal's green salts.
- Praseodymium was discovered in 1885 by the Austrian chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach.
The name praseodymium is derived from the Greek words 'prasios' meaning 'green', and 'didymos' meaning 'twin'. This reflects the elementโs discovery history; it was identified in 1885 by the Austrian chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach. Auer discovered praseodymium when he isolated it from a mixture of other lanthanides, primarily from a mineral called neodymium, which is where the 'didymos' part of the name comes from. The use of praseodymium in various applications, such as in rare-earth magnets and coloring agents, became well-established in the 20th century as the demand for these materials increased in industries like electronics and aerospace. Praseodymium is relatively abundant compared to many other rare-earth metals, making it more accessible for various technological uses.