Mendeleev
Periodic table · chemistry · physics
Element story

Neodymium

Atomic number 60 means that every Neodymium nucleus contains 60 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Neodymium.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 60 means that every Neodymium nucleus contains 60 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Neodymium.

Neodymium (Nd) is chemical element 60. 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 speakers and headphones.

See the atom

Conceptual visual: electron shells are a learning aid, not a literal picture of quantum orbitals.

What this number means

Atomic number 60 means that every Neodymium nucleus contains 60 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Neodymium.

Keep exploring

→ Neodymium · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

60NdNeodymium
Neodymium · Nd · Z = 60

Neodymium (Nd) is chemical element 60. 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.

Understanding the element

Neodymium (Nd) is chemical element 60. 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.

Where do we encounter it?

In practice, it turns up most often in magnets, lasers and speakers and headphones.

What its position in the table tells us

Neodymium sits in period 6 and the F block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.