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Element story

Yttrium

Atomic number 39 means that every Yttrium nucleus contains 39 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Yttrium.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 39 means that every Yttrium nucleus contains 39 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Yttrium.

Yttrium (Y) is chemical element 39. It belongs to the transition metals, 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 LEDs, lasers and ceramics.

See the atom

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

What this number means

Atomic number 39 means that every Yttrium nucleus contains 39 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Yttrium.

Keep exploring

→ Yttrium · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

39YYttrium
Yttrium · Y · Z = 39

Yttrium (Y) is chemical element 39. It belongs to the transition metals, 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

Yttrium (Y) is chemical element 39. It belongs to the transition metals, 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 LEDs, lasers and ceramics.

What its position in the table tells us

Yttrium sits in period 5, group 3 and the D block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.