Atomic Number
70
Element 70
Ytterbium (Yb)
Ytterbium is a chemical element with symbol Yb and atomic number 70. It is the fourteenth and penultimate element in the lanthanide series.
Atomic Mass
173.05 u
Category
Lanthanide
Period
6
Group
Lanthanide series
Phase
solid
Density
6.9 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 32, 8, 2
Atomic Structure
Protons: 70. Electrons: 70. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴
Why Ytterbium Matters
Ytterbium helps connect atomic number 70, lanthanide behavior, period 6 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 173.05 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Ytterbium was discovered 1878 by Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac. Ytterbium is a chemical element with symbol Yb and atomic number 70. It is the fourteenth and penultimate element in the lanthanide series.
Safety and Handling Context
Ytterbium 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 Ytterbium?
- Ytterbium has atomic number 70, which means a neutral atom has 70 protons and 70 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Ytterbium?
- The chemical symbol for Ytterbium is Yb.
- What category is Ytterbium in?
- Ytterbium is classified as a lanthanide and sits in period 6 of the periodic table.
Explore Ytterbium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Ytterbium to neighboring elements without losing your place.