Neodymium (Nd)

General Information

• Symbol: Nd
• Atomic Number: 60
• Atomic Weight: 144.242 u
• Element Category: Lanthanide
• Group: N/A (Lanthanides series)
• Period: 6
• Block: f-block

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Silvery-white metallic
• Density: 7.01 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 1024 °C (1875 °F)
• Boiling Point: 3074 °C (5565 °F)
• Phase at STP: Solid
• Electron Configuration: [Xe] 4f⁴ 6s²
• Oxidation States: +3 (most common)

Chemical Properties

• Reactivity: Neodymium is quite reactive, oxidizing quickly in air to form a yellowish oxide layer. It reacts with water to form neodymium hydroxide and with acids to form neodymium salts.
• Compounds: Forms compounds such as neodymium(III) oxide (Nd₂O₃), neodymium(III) chloride (NdCl₃), and neodymium(III) nitrate (Nd(NO₃)₃).

Uses and Applications

• Magnets: Widely used in high-strength permanent magnets, particularly neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, which are used in various electronic devices, motors, and wind turbines.
• Glass and Ceramics: Used to color glasses and enamels. Neodymium-doped glass is used in lasers.
• Lighting: Used in the production of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and energy-efficient lighting.
• Alloys: Added to other metals to improve their strength and durability.
• Catalysts: Used in catalytic converters and in petroleum refining.

Occurrence and Extraction

• Natural Occurrence: Found in minerals such as monazite and bastnasite, often alongside other rare earth elements.
• Extraction: Extracted through complex processes involving the crushing of ore, magnetic separation, and solvent extraction.

Isotopes

• Stable Isotopes: Neodymium-142 (most abundant), Neodymium-143, Neodymium-144, Neodymium-145, Neodymium-146, Neodymium-148, Neodymium-150
• Radioactive Isotopes: Neodymium-144 (used in research and medicine)

Safety and Handling

• Hazards: Neodymium compounds are considered to have low toxicity, but dust and powders should be handled carefully to avoid inhalation or ingestion. Metallic neodymium can be a fire hazard in powder form.
• Precautions: Use appropriate protective equipment when handling neodymium and its compounds.

History

• Discovery: Discovered by Carl Auer von Welsbach in 1885.
• Name Origin: The name “neodymium” comes from the Greek words “neos,” meaning new, and “didymos,” meaning twin, reflecting its discovery as a “new twin” element alongside praseodymium.

Additional Facts

• Crystal Structure: Hexagonal close-packed (hcp)
• Magnetic Properties: Paramagnetic
• Thermal Conductivity: 16.5 W/m·K
• Electrical Resistivity: 640 nΩ·m at 20°C

Summary

Neodymium is a versatile lanthanide with a wide range of applications in industry and technology. It is particularly valuable in high-strength permanent magnets, glass coloring, and various alloys. Discovered in 1885, neodymium is relatively abundant and is found in several minerals. Despite its reactivity, it is considered to have low toxicity, though proper precautions should be taken when handling its compounds.

40 Question and Answer Pairs About Neodymium

1. What is the atomic number of Neodymium?

   • 60

2. What is the symbol for Neodymium?

   • Nd

3. What is the atomic weight of Neodymium?

   • 144.242 u

4. In which group of the periodic table is Neodymium found?

   • Lanthanides series (no specific group)

5. What period is Neodymium in?

   • Period 6

6. What block does Neodymium belong to?

   • f-block

7. What is the density of Neodymium?

   • 7.01 g/cm³

8. What is the melting point of Neodymium?

   • 1024 °C (1875 °F)

9. What is the boiling point of Neodymium?

   • 3074 °C (5565 °F)

10. What is the electron configuration of Neodymium?

    • [Xe] 4f⁴ 6s²

11. What are the common oxidation states of Neodymium?

    • +3 (most common)

12. What is the appearance of Neodymium?

    • Silvery-white metallic

13. Is Neodymium reactive with air?

    • Yes, it oxidizes quickly to form a yellowish oxide layer.

14. Name a compound of Neodymium.

    • Neodymium(III) oxide (Nd₂O₃)

15. What is a common use of Neodymium in magnets?

    • In high-strength neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets.

16. How is Neodymium used in the glass industry?

    • To color glasses and enamels.

17. What role does Neodymium play in lighting?

    • Used in the production of LEDs and energy-efficient lighting.

18. How is Neodymium used in alloys?

    • Added to other metals to improve their strength and durability.

19. What is a chemical application of Neodymium?

    • Used in catalytic converters and petroleum refining.

20. How is Neodymium typically found in nature?

    • In minerals such as monazite and bastnasite.

21. What is the most abundant isotope of Neodymium?

    • Neodymium-142

22. What safety hazard is associated with Neodymium dust?

    • It can be a fire hazard.

23. Who discovered Neodymium?

    • Carl Auer von Welsbach

24. Where does the name Neodymium come from?

    • From the Greek words “neos” (new) and “didymos” (twin).

25. What is the crystal structure of Neodymium?

    • Hexagonal close-packed (hcp)

26. Is Neodymium paramagnetic or diamagnetic?

    • Paramagnetic

27. What is the thermal conductivity of Neodymium?

    • 16.5 W/m·K

28. What is the electrical resistivity of Neodymium at 20°C?

    • 640 nΩ·m

29. What is the primary oxidation state of Neodymium in its compounds?

    • +3

30. Is Neodymium found as a free element in nature?

    • No, it is found in minerals.

31. What is the common name of Neodymium(III) nitrate?

    • Nd(NO₃)₃

32. What is a major application of Neodymium in the glass industry?

    • Coloring glasses and enamels.

33. How does Neodymium benefit the lighting industry?

    • Used in the production of LEDs and energy-efficient lighting.

34. What is the melting point of Neodymium in Kelvin?

    • 1297 K

35. What group does Neodymium belong to in the periodic table?

    • Lanthanides series

36. What is the natural abundance of Neodymium-142?

    • It is the most abundant isotope.

37. Can Neodymium be used in high-temperature applications?

    • Yes, in alloys to improve heat resistance.

38. What is the key property that makes Neodymium valuable in magnets?

    • Its ability to form high-strength permanent magnets.

39. How is Neodymium used in the chemical industry?

    • As a catalyst.

40. What precautions should be taken when handling Neodymium?

    • Use appropriate protective equipment to avoid inhalation or ingestion.