Europium (symbol Eu, atomic number 63) is a rare-earth metal that provides the red and blue phosphors in displays. It is classified as a lanthanide and sits in the lanthanide series (f-block), period 6 of the periodic table.
Overview
Europium is the chemical element with atomic number 63 and the symbol Eu. With a standard atomic weight of 151.96, it is a lanthanide. In the periodic table it occupies the lanthanide series (f-block) and period 6, and under standard conditions it is normally a solid. Europium is a rare-earth metal that provides the red and blue phosphors in displays.
Atomic structure
An atom of Europium has 63 protons in its nucleus and, when neutral, 63 electrons arranged in the configuration [Xe] 4f7 6s2. Its standard atomic weight of 151.96 reflects the natural mix of its stable isotopes.
Discovery and place in the table
Europium was discovered in 1901 by Eugène-Anatole Demarçay. It follows Samarium (Sm) and precedes Gadolinium (Gd) in order of atomic number.
| Atomic number | 63 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Eu |
| Atomic mass | 151.96 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Group | — |
| Period | 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f7 6s2 |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Discovered | 1901 (Eugène-Anatole Demarçay) |