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thulium

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Thulium is a chemical element with the symbol Tm and atomic number 69. It is a lanthanide element, meaning it is a member of the group of elements that are in the 6th period of the periodic table.

Thulium is a silvery-white metal that is soft and ductile. It has a melting point of 1582 degrees Celsius and a boiling point of 1945 degrees Celsius.

Thulium is not found in nature in its pure form. It is found in combination with other elements, such as monazite and xenotime.

Thulium is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Lasers: Thulium is used in lasers because it can emit light at a variety of wavelengths.
  • Solid-state lighting: Thulium is used in solid-state lighting because it can emit light at a variety of wavelengths.
  • Medical imaging: Thulium is used in medical imaging because it can emit light at a variety of wavelengths.
  • Nuclear power: Thulium is being studied as a potential fuel for nuclear power plants.

Thulium is a relatively rare element. The global production of thulium is about 10 tonnes per year.

How can the word be used?

Thulium is used in lasers and optical amplifiers.

thulium

Different forms of the word

Noun:

a chemical element with the symbol Tm and atomic number 69. It is a soft, silvery-metallic element that is found in nature in combination with other elements.

Adjective:

relating to or containing thulium.

Etymology

The word "thulium" comes from the Greek word "Thule", which is the name of an ancient place that was thought to be located in the far north.

The first recorded use of the word "thulium" in English was in 1879.

The word "thulium" is a Modern Latin word, which means that it was created by scientists. It is derived from the Greek word "Thule".

Question

What is thulium?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Discuss the properties and applications of thulium in the field of medicine. Explain how thulium is used in medical imaging and its role in certain therapeutic procedures. Provide an example of a medical application where thulium is commonly employed.

Answer:

Thulium, an element with atomic number 69, has notable applications in the medical field, particularly in imaging and therapy. Thulium-170 is utilised in portable X-ray machines and other medical imaging devices due to its ability to emit X-rays when bombarded with electrons.

In medical imaging, thulium-based X-ray sources provide essential diagnostic information. These sources enable healthcare professionals to visualise internal structures of the body, aiding in the detection and diagnosis of various medical conditions.

Thulium is also used in laser systems for various therapeutic procedures. Thulium lasers are employed in urology for the treatment of kidney stones, a condition known as lithotripsy. The laser's precise energy delivery allows for the fragmentation of kidney stones without causing significant damage to surrounding tissues.

Lithotripsy exemplifies how thulium-based technologies contribute to minimally invasive medical treatments, reducing patient discomfort and recovery time. Thulium's role in medical imaging and therapy highlights the diverse applications of elements in advancing healthcare practices, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between science and medicine.