Europium: Symbol, Properties & Uses

Europium is a heavy metal under the ambit of the lanthanide category. Since it belongs to the lanthanide category, europium is not only the heaviest element but also the most reactive element. Due to its high rate of reactivity, it catches fire when it comes into contact with water and releases hydrogen. When it reacts with oxygen, the oxide is formed thereby replacing hydrogen with water molecules. The minerals bastnasite and monazite are the two sources of Europium. 

Key Terms: Europium, periodic table, Atomic Number, Atomic Mass, density, electronic configuration, lanthanide

Chemical Properties of Europium

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Chemical properties of Europium are as follows:

• Europium is a 6 Period f Block element as understood from the periodic table.
•  As understood from its Atomic Number 63, there are two valence electrons found in the last orbital. 
• At room temperature, it is in solid form. The melting point of Europium is 1512°F, 822°C, or 1095 K. The boiling point of Europium is 2784°F, 1529°C, or 1802 K.
• Eu is the symbol of Europium. 
• As it is a highly reactive metal, it undergoes oxidation on exposure to air. 
• For the flora and fauna, it is safe due to its nature being non-radioactive. 
• Europium is utilised for the printing of Euro currency notes. 
• The existing isotopes of Eu are 151Eu and 153Eu. The Atomic Number of Europium is 63 and the Atomic Mass is 151.964 amu. 
• Xe 4f⁷ 6s² is the electronic configuration for Europium. Here, Xe denotes Xenon, the noble gas which is nearest in precedence.
• 5.25 g/cm³ is the density of Europium. 
• The CAS number of Europium is 7440^-53^-1. 

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Uses of Europium 

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There are various forms in which Europium can be used. Some of these forms are described as follows:

• It can be used as a salt in phosphorescence powders and paints.
• It is used to dope plastic films for use in laser materials. 
• It is also used for the manufacture of superconductor alloys
• It is used for the printing of Euro currency notes to fight against forgery. Such kinds of measures and steps against forgery prevent the offenders from counterfeiting the currency notes globally. 
• It is also used to activate yttrium phosphors.
• The oxide of Europium is used for the activation of various kinds of phosphors.
• As it is quite effective in absorbing neutrons, it is used as rods in nuclear reactors.

Things to Remember

• Europium has two isotopes ¹⁵¹Eu and ¹⁵³Eu.
• ¹⁵¹Eu, is a stable isotope, ¹⁵³Eu encounters instability regarding alpha decay. 
• The Atomic Number of Europium is 63 and the Atomic Mass is 151.964 amu.
• The etymological meaning of Europium is derived from the continent of Europe. 
• It releases hydrogen when it reacts with water and undergoes oxidation when exposed to the atmosphere. 

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