Atomic Number
68
Element 68
Erbium (Er)
Erbium is a chemical element with symbol Er and atomic number 68. A silvery-white solid metal when artificially isolated, natural erbium is always found in chemical combination with other elements.
Atomic Mass
167.26 u
Category
Lanthanide
Period
6
Group
Lanthanide series
Phase
solid
Density
9.07 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 30, 8, 2
Atomic Structure
Protons: 68. Electrons: 68. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹²
Why Erbium Matters
Erbium helps connect atomic number 68, lanthanide behavior, period 6 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 167.26 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹² make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Erbium was discovered 1843 by Carl Gustaf Mosander. Erbium is a chemical element with symbol Er and atomic number 68. A silvery-white solid metal when artificially isolated, natural erbium is always found in chemical combination with other elements.
Safety and Handling Context
Erbium is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Erbium?
- Erbium has atomic number 68, which means a neutral atom has 68 protons and 68 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Erbium?
- The chemical symbol for Erbium is Er.
- What category is Erbium in?
- Erbium is classified as a lanthanide and sits in period 6 of the periodic table.
Explore Erbium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Erbium to neighboring elements without losing your place.