Ytrium: meaning, definitions and examples
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Ytrium
[ ˈɪtrɪəm ]
chemical element
Yttrium is a chemical element with the symbol Y and atomic number 39. It is classified as a transition metal and is typically found in rare earth minerals. Yttrium has a silvery luster and is often used in various applications, including electronics and materials science.
Examples of usage
- Yttrium is used in phosphors for color television tubes.
- The yttrium-aluminium-garnet crystal is used in laser technology.
- Yttrium is a key component in superconductors.
Etymology
The name 'yttrium' is derived from the village of Ytterby in Sweden, where the mineral gadolinite was first discovered, containing rare earth elements, including yttrium. The element was first isolated in 1828 by the Swedish chemist Johan Gadolin. Yttrium was not recognized as a distinct element until much later due to its association with other similar elements in the rare earth series. The discovery of yttrium and its classification as a chemical element significantly contributed to the understanding of the properties and behaviors of transition metals and rare earth elements. Its applications in various technologies have expanded as research into its unique properties continues.