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holmium

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Holmium is a chemical element with the symbol Ho and atomic number 67. It is a rare-earth metal that is silvery-white in colour. Holmium is found in very small amounts in the Earth's crust.

Holmium is a member of the lanthanide series of elements. The lanthanides are a group of 15 elements that are chemically similar to each other. Holmium is the seventh element in the lanthanide series.

Holmium is a relatively rare element. It is estimated that there is only about 0.0005 parts per million of holmium in the Earth's crust. Holmium is found in small amounts in some minerals, such as monazite and bastnäsite.

Holmium is a soft metal with a low melting point. It is also a good conductor of heat and electricity. Holmium is diamagnetic, which means that it is repelled by a magnetic field.

Holmium is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Lasers
  • Magnets
  • Optical materials
  • Medical imaging

Holmium lasers are used in surgery to cut tissue and to cauterise blood vessels. Holmium magnets are used in medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators. Holmium optical materials are used in fibre optics and in high-power lasers. Holmium is also used in medical imaging, such as MRI and PET scans.

Holmium is a relatively safe metal, but it can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. It is important to handle holmium with care and to wear gloves and a mask when working with it.

How can the word be used?

Holmium is used in lasers.

holmium

Different forms of the word

Noun: holmium.

Adjective: holmium.

Adverb: holmiumically.

Etymology

The word "holmium" comes from the Swedish town of Holmia, which is the Latin name for Stockholm. It was discovered by Per Teodor Cleve in 1879 and named after his hometown.

Holmium is a rare-earth element that is found in very small amounts in the Earth's crust. It is a silvery-white metal that is chemically similar to other rare-earth elements such as lanthanum and yttrium.

Question

What is holmium?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the properties and applications of the element holmium, highlighting its role in modern technologies and its unique magnetic properties.

Answer:

Holmium is a chemical element known for its distinctive properties and applications across various fields. It is part of the lanthanide series and exhibits remarkable magnetic characteristics. Holmium has the highest magnetic moment of all naturally occurring elements, which makes it useful in electronic devices, particularly as a component in powerful magnets.

Due to its strong magnetic properties, holmium is employed in devices like MRI machines and aerospace components. It is also used in the manufacturing of specialised optical glass and as a colourant for cubic zirconia and glass, creating hues of yellow and red.

In addition to its magnetic qualities, holmium has applications in nuclear reactors, where it can absorb thermal neutrons, serving as a control rod material to regulate nuclear reactions.

The element's unique magnetic behaviour and versatile applications make it a valuable resource in modern technologies. Its role in enhancing the functionality of medical equipment, improving energy production, and contributing to material sciences underscores the significance of holmium in shaping our technological landscape.