Lutetium (Lu)
Lutetium (Lu, element 71) is a lanthanide in period 6. Atomic mass 174.967, electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹ 6s², uses and facts.
About Lutetium
Lutetium is a lanthanide with the symbol Lu and atomic number 71. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in period 6 of the periodic table. Lutetium was discovered in 1907 by Georges Urbain.
Lutetium key facts
- Atomic number: 71
- Symbol: Lu
- Atomic mass: 174.967 u
- Category: lanthanide
- Group: none (f-block)
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹ 6s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.27
- Melting point: 1925 K (1651.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 3675 K (3401.85 °C)
- Density: 9.841 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +3
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of lutetium is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹ 6s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of lutetium
- PET scan detectors
- Catalysts
- LED backlighting
Did you know?
Lutetium is one of the densest and hardest of the rare earth elements. Used in PET scan detectors.
Neighbouring elements
- Ytterbium (Yb)
- Hafnium (Hf)
- 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 lutetium?
The atomic number of lutetium is 71, which means every lutetium atom has 71 protons.
What is the electron configuration of lutetium?
The electron configuration of lutetium is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹ 6s².
What group and period is lutetium in?
Lutetium is a lanthanide in period 6.
What state is lutetium at room temperature?
Lutetium is a solid at room temperature.
What is lutetium used for?
Lutetium is used for PET scan detectors, catalysts, LED backlighting.