lutetium
Definition
Lutetium is a rare-earth metal that is a member of the lanthanide series. It is the second-to-last element in the lanthanide series, after ytterbium and before thulium.
Lutetium is a silvery-white metal that has a high melting point and a low density. It is a good conductor of heat and electricity.
Lutetium is not very reactive, but it can react with oxygen and chlorine to form compounds. It is also used to make alloys with other metals, such as yttrium and cerium.
Lutetium has a number of applications in different industries. It is used in lasers, magnets, and glassmaking. It is also used in medical imaging and as a catalyst in chemical reactions.
How can the word be used?
The discovery of lutetium in 1907 was a significant breakthrough in the field of chemistry.
Different forms of the word
The word "lutetium" has no other forms. It is a chemical element with the symbol Lu and atomic number 71. It is a rare-earth metal that is silvery-white in colour. It is the heaviest of the lanthanides.
The word "lutetium" comes from the Latin word "Lutetia", which was the name of the ancient city of Paris. It was named after Lutetia because it was discovered in a mineral that was found near Paris.
Etymology
The name derives from the Romans' name for Paris, 'Lutetia'.
Question
What is lutetium used for?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Describe the element lutetium and its significance in scientific research. Explain its applications and how it fits into the periodic table.
Answer:
Lutetium is a chemical element with the symbol Lu and atomic number 71. It belongs to the lanthanide series, a group of elements found in the periodic table's f-block. Lutetium is a silvery-white metal and one of the rarest and least abundant elements in the Earth's crust. It has a high melting point and is relatively stable against corrosion.
Lutetium's significance lies in its unique properties and applications across various scientific fields. In the field of nuclear physics, lutetium is used as a target material for the production of radioactive isotopes, which are utilised in medical imaging and cancer treatments. It also finds use in radiation detection devices due to its excellent scintillation properties.
Lutetium is particularly interesting in the context of its position in the periodic table. It is the last element in the lanthanide series, and its electron configuration makes it an important element for studying the transition between the lanthanides and the actinides. This transition is notable for the gradual filling of 4f and 5f electron orbitals, leading to changes in chemical and physical properties.