lanthanide series

Thân thiện

The periodic table highlights the lanthanide series in a separate row.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific group of chemical elements: The "lanthanide series" is the collective name for the fifteen metallic chemical elements with atomic numbers 57 through 71 on the periodic table. These elements have very similar chemical properties, primarily due to their electron configuration, and are often found together in mineral ores.

Usage

• The term is used as a singular noun to refer to the entire group of elements.
• It is commonly used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry, geology, and materials science.
• Example: "The chemist studied the magnetic properties of the entire lanthanide series."

Examples

• Noun:
  • Separating individual elements from the lanthanide series is a challenging process due to their chemical similarity.
  • Many modern technologies, such as smartphone screens and strong magnets, rely on elements from the lanthanide series.

Advanced Usage

• "The lanthanide contraction": This is a key concept in chemistry referring to the greater-than-expected decrease in ionic radii across the lanthanide series. This contraction has significant effects on the properties of the elements that follow.
  • The lanthanide contraction explains why zirconium and hafnium have nearly identical chemical properties.

Variants and Related Words

• Lanthanides (n): A more common synonym for "lanthanide series," often used interchangeably.
  • The lanthanides are crucial for producing phosphors.
• Rare-earth elements (n): A broader category that includes the lanthanide series (elements 57-71) plus scandium and yttrium (elements 21 and 39). The terms are related but not perfectly synonymous.
  • This deposit is rich in rare-earth elements, including several from the lanthanide series.

Synonyms

• Lanthanoids: Another technical term for the same series of elements.
• Inner transition metals: A broader periodic table category that includes the lanthanide series and the actinide series.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the rare-earth elements with atomic numbers 57 through 71; having properties similar to lanthanum