Dysprosium
Atomic number 66 means that every Dysprosium nucleus contains 66 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Dysprosium.
Start with the nucleus
Atomic number 66 means that every Dysprosium nucleus contains 66 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Dysprosium.
Dysprosium (Dy) is chemical element 66. It belongs to the lanthanoids, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.
In practice, it turns up most often in magnets, lasers and nuclear reactors.
See the atom
Conceptual visual: electron shells are a learning aid, not a literal picture of quantum orbitals.
What this number means
Atomic number 66 means that every Dysprosium nucleus contains 66 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Dysprosium.