Element 39
Yttrium
Transition metals
Yttrium (Y) is in the d-block of the periodic table — group 3, period 5.
Yttrium is a chemical element with symbol Y and atomic number 39.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 39
- Atomic mass
- 88.906 u
- Group / Period
- 3 / 5
- Block
- d-block
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 4.472 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 1525.8 °C
- Boiling point
- 2929.8 °C
- Electron configuration
- [Kr] 4d1 5s2
Periodic table block
Yttrium is in the d-block (group 3, period 5). Elements land in the d-block when their highest-energy electrons fill a d subshell — these are the transition metals in the middle of the table.
New to this? Periodic table blocks explained: s, p, d, and f
Common uses
- •LED phosphors
- •Lasers
- •Superconductors
Discovery
Year: 1794
Discovered by: Johan Gadolin
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Yttrium?
Yttrium has atomic number 39. Its symbol is Y and its atomic mass is 88.906 u.
What category of element is Yttrium?
Yttrium is classified as transition metals. It sits in group 3, period 5 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Yttrium in?
Yttrium is in the d-block (group 3, period 5). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the d subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [Kr] 4d1 5s2.
What is Yttrium used for?
Common uses of Yttrium include: LED phosphors, Lasers, Superconductors.
When was Yttrium discovered?
Yttrium was discovered in 1794 by Johan Gadolin.
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