Ytterbium facts for kids

A piece of Ytterbium.

Ytterbium (say "it-TER-bee-um") is a special kind of material called a chemical element. Every element has its own unique symbol, and for Ytterbium, it's Yb.

It's number 70 on the periodic table, which is like a big chart of all the known elements. Ytterbium belongs to a family of elements called Lanthanides. These are also known as "rare earth elements," even though they're not super rare. Ytterbium is a soft, shiny metal that looks silver.

Where Ytterbium is Found

Ytterbium isn't found by itself in nature. Instead, it's mixed in with other materials inside special rocks called minerals. Some of these minerals are named gadolinite, monazite, and xenotime.

When we find Ytterbium in nature, it's usually a mix of seven different types. These types are called isotopes, and they are all very stable. This means they don't easily change into other elements.

What Ytterbium is Used For

Even though you might not hear about Ytterbium every day, it's quite useful!

Stronger Metals

One important use for Ytterbium is in making certain types of steel stronger. When a little bit of Ytterbium is added to steel, it can make the metal better for different jobs.

Lasers and Technology

Ytterbium is also used to make powerful lasers. These lasers are used in many areas, from cutting materials in factories to helping with scientific research. It's also used in some advanced technologies.

Related pages

• Periodic table
• List of common elements

Images for kids

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  Euxenite is a mineral that can contain Ytterbium.

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  Ytterbium(III) oxide is a compound of Ytterbium.

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  This image shows the crystal structure of ytterbium(III) oxide.

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  Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac was a chemist who studied rare earth elements.

See also

In Spanish: Iterbio para niños