Yttrium(III) oxide facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yttrium(III) oxide |
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| IUPAC name | Yttrium(III) oxide |
| Other names | Yttria, diyttrium trioxide, yttrium sesquioxide |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | |
| Molar mass | 0 g mol-1 |
| Appearance | White solid. |
| Density | 5.010 g/cm3, solid |
| Melting point | |
| Boiling point | |
| insoluble | |
| Solubility in alcohol acid |
soluble |
| Related compounds | |
| Other cations | Scandium(III) oxide, Lanthanum(III) oxide |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
Yttrium oxide is a special chemical compound made from yttrium and oxygen. Its chemical formula is Y2O3. This means it has two yttrium atoms and three oxygen atoms joined together. It looks like a white, solid powder and is very stable in the air.
Yttrium oxide is a very important material used to make many other things. Scientists and engineers use it as a starting point for creating new materials and other chemical compounds.
Contents
What is Yttrium Oxide?
Yttrium oxide is also known as yttria. It is a type of oxide, which means it's a compound that contains at least one oxygen atom and one other element in its chemical formula. In this case, the other element is yttrium, a rare-earth metal.
Basic Properties
Yttrium oxide is a solid at room temperature. It has a very high melting point of 2,425 degrees Celsius (4,397 degrees Fahrenheit). This means it needs a lot of heat to turn into a liquid. Its boiling point is even higher, at 4,300 degrees Celsius (7,772 degrees Fahrenheit).
It is a dense material, meaning a small amount of it weighs quite a bit. It does not dissolve easily in water, but it can dissolve in some strong acids.
How is Yttrium Oxide Used?
Yttrium oxide is a very useful compound because of its special properties. It is used in many different technologies and industries.
Making Advanced Materials
One of the main uses of yttrium oxide is in making advanced materials. For example, it is used to create special ceramics and glasses. These materials are often used in electronics and other high-tech applications because they can withstand very high temperatures and have unique electrical properties.
In Lighting and Displays
Yttrium oxide is also important in making things that glow. It is used as a material called a "phosphor" in some types of LED lights and CRT displays (like old TV screens). When mixed with other elements, yttrium oxide can help create different colors of light. For example, it is used to make the red color in some older television screens.
For Lasers
Did you know yttrium oxide is used in lasers? It can be used to make special crystals that are part of laser systems. These lasers are used in many fields, from medicine to manufacturing.
Other Uses
- Catalysts: Sometimes, yttrium oxide is used as a catalyst, which is a substance that helps chemical reactions happen faster without being used up itself.
- Superconductors: It is also a key ingredient in making some superconductors. These are materials that can conduct electricity with no resistance when cooled to very low temperatures. An example is Yttrium barium copper oxide, which is often called YBCO.
Related Compounds
Yttrium oxide is part of a family of similar compounds.
- Scandium(III) oxide and Lanthanum(III) oxide are other oxides that are chemically similar to yttrium oxide. This is because scandium and lanthanum are also rare-earth elements, just like yttrium.
Images for kids
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A model showing the structure of yttrium(III) oxide.
See also
In Spanish: Óxido de itrio(III) para niños
