Dysprosium (new) - Periodic Table of Videos

About this video

• Video Title: Dysprosium (new) - Periodic Table of Videos
• Channel: Periodic Videos
• Speakers: Not explicitly named, but implied speakers are the narrator and likely individuals associated with Periodic Videos like Neil, Pete, and Brady.
• Duration: 17:23

Overview

This video revisits the element dysprosium, updating a previous video from 16 years ago. It explores dysprosium's properties, including its magnetic behavior and chemical reactions, and discusses its historical discovery and modern applications, particularly in the field of single-molecule magnets for data storage.

Key takeaways

• Increased Importance: Dysprosium has transitioned from a "boring element" to one of significant technological and scientific importance.
• Magnetic Properties: Dysprosium is strongly attracted to magnets, demonstrated by lifting a large lump and moving filings with a magnet.
• Chemical Reactions: Dysprosium metal dissolves in hydrochloric acid, and its chloride forms precipitates with carbonate, hydroxide, sulfide, and chromate solutions.
• Discovery and Name Origin: Discovered by French chemist Paul Lok, its name originates from the Greek word "dysprositos," meaning "difficult to separate," reflecting the challenges in isolating rare earth elements.
• Modern Applications: Dysprosium is crucial for single-molecule magnets, which have the potential for high-density data storage, with ongoing research developing compounds that retain magnetism at higher temperatures.
• Sources and Cost: Dysprosium is sourced primarily from China and Myanmar, with deposits found in Australia. Its price has become increasingly volatile and expensive due to separation difficulties.
• Spectacular Reactions: When heated in a Bunsen burner, dysprosium produces very bright sparks, to the extent that it can "bleach out" a video camera.
• Hygroscopic Nature: Some dysprosium compounds, like its oxide or chloride, are hygroscopic, meaning they absorb water from the atmosphere.