Element 70
Ytterbium
Lanthanides
Ytterbium (Yb) is in the f-block of the periodic table — group 3, period 6.
Ytterbium is a chemical element with symbol Yb and atomic number 70.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 70
- Atomic mass
- 173.045 u
- Group / Period
- 3 / 6
- Block
- f-block
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 6.9 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 823.9 °C
- Boiling point
- 1195.8 °C
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 4f14 6s2
Periodic table block
Ytterbium is in the f-block (group 3, period 6). Elements land in the f-block when their highest-energy electrons fill an f subshell — these are the lanthanides and actinides shown beneath the main table.
New to this? Periodic table blocks explained: s, p, d, and f
Common uses
- •Atomic clocks
- •Stainless steel additive
- •Lasers
Discovery
Year: 1878
Discovered by: Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Ytterbium?
Ytterbium has atomic number 70. Its symbol is Yb and its atomic mass is 173.045 u.
What category of element is Ytterbium?
Ytterbium is classified as lanthanides. It sits in group 3, period 6 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Ytterbium in?
Ytterbium is in the f-block (group 3, period 6). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the f subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [Xe] 4f14 6s2.
What is Ytterbium used for?
Common uses of Ytterbium include: Atomic clocks, Stainless steel additive, Lasers.
When was Ytterbium discovered?
Ytterbium was discovered in 1878 by Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac.
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