Neodymium (Nd)
Neodymium (Nd, element 60) is a lanthanide in period 6. Atomic mass 144.242, electron configuration [Xe] 4f⁴ 6s², uses and facts.
About Neodymium
Neodymium is a lanthanide with the symbol Nd and atomic number 60. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in period 6 of the periodic table. Neodymium was discovered in 1885 by Carl Auer von Welsbach.
Neodymium key facts
- Atomic number: 60
- Symbol: Nd
- Atomic mass: 144.242 u
- Category: lanthanide
- Group: none (f-block)
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f⁴ 6s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.14
- Melting point: 1297 K (1023.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 3347 K (3073.85 °C)
- Density: 7.01 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +2, +3, +4
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of neodymium is [Xe] 4f⁴ 6s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of neodymium
- Powerful magnets
- Headphones
- Wind turbines
Did you know?
Neodymium magnets are the strongest permanent magnets known, a small one can lift thousands of times its own weight.
Neighbouring elements
- Praseodymium (Pr)
- Promethium (Pm)
- Lanthanum (La)
- Cerium (Ce)
- Praseodymium (Pr)
- Promethium (Pm)
- Samarium (Sm)
- Europium (Eu)
- Gadolinium (Gd)
- Terbium (Tb)
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of neodymium?
The atomic number of neodymium is 60, which means every neodymium atom has 60 protons.
What is the electron configuration of neodymium?
The electron configuration of neodymium is [Xe] 4f⁴ 6s².
What group and period is neodymium in?
Neodymium is a lanthanide in period 6.
What state is neodymium at room temperature?
Neodymium is a solid at room temperature.
What is neodymium used for?
Neodymium is used for powerful magnets, headphones, wind turbines.