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68Er

Element 68

Erbium

Lanthanides

Erbium is a chemical element in the lanthanide series, with symbol Er and atomic number 68.

Key data

Atomic number
68
Atomic mass
167.259 u
Group / Period
3 / 6
Block
f-block
Phase at STP
Solid
Density
9.066 g/cm³
Melting point
1528.8 °C
Boiling point
2867.8 °C
Electron configuration
[Xe] 4f12 6s2

Common uses

  • Pink optical glass
  • Fiber-optic amplifiers
  • Nuclear control rods

Discovery

Year: 1843

Discovered by: Carl Gustaf Mosander

Frequently asked questions

What is the atomic number of Erbium?

Erbium has atomic number 68. Its symbol is Er and its atomic mass is 167.259 u.

What category of element is Erbium?

Erbium is classified as lanthanides. It sits in group 3, period 6 of the periodic table.

What is Erbium used for?

Common uses of Erbium include: Pink optical glass, Fiber-optic amplifiers, Nuclear control rods.

When was Erbium discovered?

Erbium was discovered in 1843 by Carl Gustaf Mosander.

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