Atomic Number
39
Element 39
Yttrium (Y)
Yttrium is a chemical element with symbol Y and atomic number 39. It is a silvery-metallic transition metal chemically similar to the lanthanides and has often been classified as a "rare-earth element".
Atomic Mass
88.906 u
Category
Transition Metal
Period
5
Group
Group 3: scandium group
Phase
solid
Density
4.47 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 9, 2
Atomic Structure
Protons: 39. Electrons: 39. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹
Why Yttrium Matters
Yttrium helps connect atomic number 39, transition metal behavior, period 5 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 88.906 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Yttrium was discovered 1794 by Johan Gadolin. Yttrium is a chemical element with symbol Y and atomic number 39. It is a silvery-metallic transition metal chemically similar to the lanthanides and has often been classified as a "rare-earth element".
Safety and Handling Context
Yttrium 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 Yttrium?
- Yttrium has atomic number 39, which means a neutral atom has 39 protons and 39 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Yttrium?
- The chemical symbol for Yttrium is Y.
- What category is Yttrium in?
- Yttrium is classified as a transition metal and sits in period 5 of the periodic table.
Explore Yttrium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Yttrium to neighboring elements without losing your place.