Erbium (Er)
Erbium (Er, element 68) is a lanthanide in period 6. Atomic mass 167.259, electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹² 6s², uses and facts.
About Erbium
Erbium is a lanthanide with the symbol Er and atomic number 68. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in period 6 of the periodic table. Erbium was discovered in 1843 by Carl Gustaf Mosander.
Erbium key facts
- Atomic number: 68
- Symbol: Er
- Atomic mass: 167.259 u
- Category: lanthanide
- Group: none (f-block)
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f¹² 6s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.24
- Melting point: 1802 K (1528.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 3141 K (2867.85 °C)
- Density: 9.066 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +2, +3
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of erbium is [Xe] 4f¹² 6s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of erbium
- Fiber optic amplifiers
- Lasers
- Glass coloring (pink)
Did you know?
Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers made the modern internet possible, they boost optical signals over long distances.
Neighbouring elements
- Holmium (Ho)
- Thulium (Tm)
- Lanthanum (La)
- Cerium (Ce)
- Praseodymium (Pr)
- Neodymium (Nd)
- Promethium (Pm)
- Samarium (Sm)
- Europium (Eu)
- Gadolinium (Gd)
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of erbium?
The atomic number of erbium is 68, which means every erbium atom has 68 protons.
What is the electron configuration of erbium?
The electron configuration of erbium is [Xe] 4f¹² 6s².
What group and period is erbium in?
Erbium is a lanthanide in period 6.
What state is erbium at room temperature?
Erbium is a solid at room temperature.
What is erbium used for?
Erbium is used for fiber optic amplifiers, lasers, glass coloring (pink).