| Symbol |
Name |
Atomic
Number |
Atomic
Weight |
Group
Number |
| Yb |
Ytterbium |
70 |
173.04 |
|
Description
Standard State: solid at 298 K
Color: Grayish white lustrous
Marignac in 1878 discovered a new component, which he called ytterbia, in the
earth then known as erbia. In 1907, Urbain separated yttebia into two components,
which he called neoytterbia and lutecia. The elements is these
earths are now known as ytterbium and lutetium, respectively.
Ytterbium has a bright silvery luster, is soft, malleable, and quite ductile. While the
element is fairly stable, it should be kept in closed containers to protect it from air
and moisture.
Ytterbium is readily attacked and dissolved by mineral acids and reacts slowly with
water. |