Europium (Eu)
Europium (Eu, element 63) is a lanthanide in period 6. Atomic mass 151.964, electron configuration [Xe] 4f⁷ 6s², uses and facts.
About Europium
Europium is a lanthanide with the symbol Eu and atomic number 63. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in period 6 of the periodic table. Europium was discovered in 1901 by Eugène-Anatole Demarçay.
Europium key facts
- Atomic number: 63
- Symbol: Eu
- Atomic mass: 151.964 u
- Category: lanthanide
- Group: none (f-block)
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f⁷ 6s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.2
- Melting point: 1099 K (825.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 1802 K (1528.85 °C)
- Density: 5.244 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +2, +3
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of europium is [Xe] 4f⁷ 6s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of europium
- Euro banknotes
- TV screens
- Fluorescent lights
Did you know?
Euro banknotes use europium compounds as an anti-counterfeiting measure, they fluoresce under UV light.
Neighbouring elements
- Samarium (Sm)
- Gadolinium (Gd)
- Lanthanum (La)
- Cerium (Ce)
- Praseodymium (Pr)
- Neodymium (Nd)
- Promethium (Pm)
- Samarium (Sm)
- Gadolinium (Gd)
- Terbium (Tb)
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of europium?
The atomic number of europium is 63, which means every europium atom has 63 protons.
What is the electron configuration of europium?
The electron configuration of europium is [Xe] 4f⁷ 6s².
What group and period is europium in?
Europium is a lanthanide in period 6.
What state is europium at room temperature?
Europium is a solid at room temperature.
What is europium used for?
Europium is used for euro banknotes, TV screens, fluorescent lights.