What is the Difference Between Yttrium and Ytterbium?

Yttrium and ytterbium are two distinct chemical elements with different properties and uses. The key difference between them is that natural yttrium is non-radioactive, whereas ytterbium is usually radioactive. Here are some other differences between the two elements:

• Symbol and Atomic Number: Yttrium has the symbol Y and atomic number 39, while ytterbium has the symbol Yb and atomic number 70.
• Isotopes: Yttrium has 1 stable naturally occurring isotope, while ytterbium has 7 stable naturally occurring isotopes.
• Radioactivity: As mentioned earlier, natural yttrium is non-radioactive, whereas ytterbium is usually radioactive.
• Chemical Properties: Yttrium is a metal that can slowly react with cold water and can undergo oxidation slowly in the air. Ytterbium, on the other hand, is a rare-earth element and is readily dissolved by strong mineral acids.
• Uses: Yttrium has various applications, including its use in the production of phosphors, electronic devices, and superconductors. Ytterbium has fewer commercial applications and is often used as a dopant in solid-state lasers and as a substitute in yttrium minerals.

Despite their similar names, yttrium and ytterbium have distinct properties and uses, setting them apart from each other in the realm of chemistry.

Comparative Table: Yttrium vs Ytterbium

Here is a table comparing the differences between Yttrium and Ytterbium:

Yttrium is a silvery-white, lustrous transition metal that is chemically similar to the lanthanides, often found in rare-earth minerals. It is used in electrodes of high-performing spark plugs, gas mantles for propane lanterns, and the production of synthetic garnets.

Ytterbium, on the other hand, is a silvery-white, pale-yellow tinted lanthanide found in natural minerals. It is often found alongside other rare-earth elements, such as yttrium, in natural occurrences. While Ytterbium has more limited commercial applications, it has been used in some research and development contexts.

The key difference between the two elements is that natural yttrium is non-radioactive, whereas ytterbium is usually radioactive.