Europium

Learn the Properties and Use of Europium Here Easily

There are excellent elements discovered and included in the periodic table. This table comprises simple and complex divisions of elements based on their unique physical and chemical properties. One of the interesting elements we can learn from the modern periodic table is Europium. This element was discovered by Eugène-Anatole Demarçay in the year 1901. The atomic mass of this element is 151.964 AMU. On this page, you will find detailed information related to this element for easy studying and grabbing the concept. Students find themselves in a real fix when the elements are not properly described or mentioned in the textbooks. This is why the experts of Vedantu have prepared this concept page where the students will be able to find the properties of Europium in a consolidated way. It will become a lot easier to study and revise the chapter when you refer to this page. Your study schedule will become extremely flexible. Let us study what is Europium and then proceed to the deeper concepts.

What is Europium?

Europium is a heavy element falling in the lanthanide group. It has a silvery shine and is metal by nature. It is the heaviest in the lanthanide group and is the most reactive element among the lanthanides. On this concept page, you will find a proper explanation of the structural, physical, and chemical properties of this element. The Europium symbol is ‘Eu’.

The Europium electron configuration is Xe 4f7 6s2. Here ‘Xe’ stands for Xenon. It is the nearest noble gas that precedes Europium. If you learn the electronic configuration of the elements using the noble gas as a parameter, it will be easier to remember the lanthanides. Let us proceed to the chemical properties of this element. The best source of this element is bastnasite and monazite.

Chemical Properties of Europium

Europium falls in the lanthanide group. It is a period 6 Block f element. As we have mentioned the atomic number before, we can easily find out that it has two valence electrons in the last orbital. It is a solid element at room temperature. The Europium melting point is 1512°F, 822°C, or 1095 K. The boiling point of this element is 2784°F, 1529°C, or 1802 K.

The atomic mass of Europium is 151.964. it has an isotope. We can define it as 153Eu. This metal is considered to be highly reactive. When exposed to air, it quickly gets tarnished after reacting with oxygen. This metal is not radioactive and is safe for plants and animals. You will be excited to know that this element is used to print Euro notes. The symbol of Europium is ‘Eu’. Its symbol is also designed following the European Union Flag and the monetary symbols.

Being the most reactive among the lanthanide, it drastically reacts with water and releases hydrogen. It forms the oxide by reacting with oxygen in the water molecules replacing hydrogen. When dipped in water, this element catches fire very quickly and reacts vigorously. Two isotopes are existing in nature, 151Eu and 153Eu.

Where Europium is Used?

Now that we have studied a small part of the metal’s physical and chemical properties, let us proceed to the uses of Europium.

• Due to the Europium mass number, it can easily absorb neutrons without causing any radioactive reaction. This is the reason why it is used as a control rod in a nuclear reactor.  

• It was found in the television tubes as Europium phosphors produce a red colour. It is also used as the activator of yttrium phosphors.

• The powerful lights used in the streets comprise a small amount of Europium. This element is also present in the mercury vapour lamps for delivering natural light.

• Europium salt is also used in paints and phosphorescence powders.

• Europium is also used for doping plastic films used in laser materials. It is also used for manufacturing superconductor alloys.

• Europium element, as mentioned earlier, is also used in printing Euro currencies to stop forgery. This anti-forgery measure stops the miscreants from copying the features of the currency across the world.

Why Prefer Using the Concept Page of Vedantu?

The experts of Vedantu have scripted this concept page so that the students can easily understand what kind of element Europium is. You will be able to learn how the element behaves and what its physical and chemical properties are. Study this element using this concept page as a reference. Learn more about the Europium atomic mass and its uses using this organized material to answer the questions perfectly.