Dysprosium facts for kids

Dysprosium is a special chemical element with the symbol Dy. It has the atomic number 66. Think of it like a unique building block in the universe!

Dysprosium is known as a rare earth element. It looks like a shiny, bright silver metal. It has some amazing properties that make it useful in many modern technologies.

What is Dysprosium?

Dysprosium is a metal that can handle very high heat. It melts at an incredibly hot temperature of 1,407°C (that's 2,565°F!). This makes it super strong and durable.

How is Dysprosium Used?

One of the coolest things about dysprosium is its ability to absorb neutrons. Neutrons are tiny particles found inside atoms. Because it can absorb them, dysprosium is very useful in nuclear reactors. It helps control the reactions inside them.

Dysprosium is also used in lasers. Lasers are powerful beams of light used for many things, from scanning barcodes to cutting materials. This element helps make these lasers work effectively.

Who Discovered Dysprosium?

Dysprosium was first found in Paris, France, in 1886. A French chemist named Paul Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran was the person who identified it. He was a very clever scientist who discovered several new elements!

Dysprosium in Compounds

Dysprosium can combine with other elements to form different substances called compounds. Here are some examples of compounds it forms:

• Fluorides: Like DyF₃
• Chlorides: Such as DyCl₂ and DyCl₃
• Bromides: For example, DyBr₂ and DyBr₃
• Iodides: Including DyI₂ and DyI₃
• Oxides: Like Dy₂O₃
• Sulfides: Such as Dy₂S₃
• Nitride: For example, DyN

These compounds have different uses and properties depending on what dysprosium is combined with.

Images for kids

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  Dysprosium sample

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  Dysprosium sulfate, Dy2(SO4)3

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  Xenotime

See also

In Spanish: Disprosio para niños