Erbium (Er)
Erbium is used in fiber optic communications to amplify light signals over long distances.
Properties of Erbium
- Atomic number
- 68
- Category
- Lanthanide
- Atomic mass
- 167.26 u
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 4f¹² 6s²
- Melting point
- 1802 K (1528.85 °C)
- Boiling point
- 3141 K (2867.85 °C)
- Density
- 9.066 g/cm³
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 1.24
- Appearance
- Silvery-white metal with pink tinge
- Discovered by
- Carl Gustaf Mosander (1843)
Facts about Erbium
- Erbium is the reason the internet works — it boosts signals in fiber optic cables!
- Erbium is another element named after the village of Ytterby!
- Erbium compounds are a beautiful pink color!
- Erbium lasers are used by dentists and dermatologists!