Atomic Number
60
Element 60
Neodymium (Nd)
Neodymium is a chemical element with symbol Nd and atomic number 60. It is a soft silvery metal that tarnishes in air. Neodymium was discovered in 1885 by the Austrian chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach.
Atomic Mass
144.24 u
Category
Lanthanide
Period
6
Group
Lanthanide series
Phase
solid
Density
7.01 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 22, 8, 2
Atomic Structure
Protons: 60. Electrons: 60. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f⁴
Why Neodymium Matters
Neodymium helps connect atomic number 60, lanthanide behavior, period 6 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 144.24 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f⁴ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Neodymium was discovered 1885 by Carl Auer von Welsbach. Neodymium is a chemical element with symbol Nd and atomic number 60. It is a soft silvery metal that tarnishes in air. Neodymium was discovered in 1885 by the Austrian chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach.
Safety and Handling Context
Neodymium 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 Neodymium?
- Neodymium has atomic number 60, which means a neutral atom has 60 protons and 60 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Neodymium?
- The chemical symbol for Neodymium is Nd.
- What category is Neodymium in?
- Neodymium is classified as a lanthanide and sits in period 6 of the periodic table.
Explore Neodymium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Neodymium to neighboring elements without losing your place.