Gadolinium (Gd)
Gadolinium (Gd, element 64) is a lanthanide in period 6. Atomic mass 157.25, electron configuration [Xe] 4f⁷ 5d¹ 6s², uses and facts.
About Gadolinium
Gadolinium is a lanthanide with the symbol Gd and atomic number 64. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in period 6 of the periodic table. Gadolinium was discovered in 1880 by Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac.
Gadolinium key facts
- Atomic number: 64
- Symbol: Gd
- Atomic mass: 157.25 u
- Category: lanthanide
- Group: none (f-block)
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f⁷ 5d¹ 6s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.2
- Melting point: 1585 K (1311.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 3546 K (3272.85 °C)
- Density: 7.9 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +1, +2, +3
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of gadolinium is [Xe] 4f⁷ 5d¹ 6s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of gadolinium
- MRI contrast agents
- Nuclear reactors
- Data storage
Did you know?
Gadolinium-based contrast agents are injected before MRI scans to enhance image contrast.
Neighbouring elements
- Europium (Eu)
- Terbium (Tb)
- Lanthanum (La)
- Cerium (Ce)
- Praseodymium (Pr)
- Neodymium (Nd)
- Promethium (Pm)
- Samarium (Sm)
- Europium (Eu)
- Terbium (Tb)
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of gadolinium?
The atomic number of gadolinium is 64, which means every gadolinium atom has 64 protons.
What is the electron configuration of gadolinium?
The electron configuration of gadolinium is [Xe] 4f⁷ 5d¹ 6s².
What group and period is gadolinium in?
Gadolinium is a lanthanide in period 6.
What state is gadolinium at room temperature?
Gadolinium is a solid at room temperature.
What is gadolinium used for?
Gadolinium is used for MRI contrast agents, nuclear reactors, data storage.