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Understanding the element
Lutetium (Lu) is chemical element 71. 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 catalysts, medical imaging equipment and scientific research.
catalystsmedical imaging equipmentscientific research
Standard atomic weight174.96669(5)
What its position in the table tells us
Lutetium sits in period 6, group 3 and the D block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.
Worth remembering
Lutetium has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses
Lutetium has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses