Z = 66Lanthanide
Dy
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals Lab

Dysprosium

Dy

Standard Atomic Mass: 162.5 u
Period 6Group 3F-Block
Chemical Specimen/Dy
Dysprosium specimen
Concentric Electron Shells6 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 28e⁻→
n=5: 8e⁻→
n=6: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Lanthanide
3D Atom Simulator

Dysprosium (Dy) Scientific Profile

Dysprosium (Dy) is an element with atomic number 66, classified as a lanthanide. Positioned in Period 6, Group 3, and F-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Xe]4f¹⁰6s²) and periodic trends.

Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Dysprosium

3D Orbitals & Valence Lab

Simulate concentric quantum energy levels, observe valence electron spins, and examine live atomic clouds in full 3D.

Launch 3D Atom Lab

Electronic Configuration Lab

Experiment with Aufbau subshell ordering, explore orbital occupancy, and analyze quantum configuration exceptions.

Launch Config Lab
Electron Config
[Xe]4f¹⁰6s²
Electronegativity
1.22 Pauling
Year Discovered
Ancient Era
Orbital Shells
6 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
f-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 3 • P: 6
Reactivity & Chemical Bonding

Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States

Dysprosium exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the lanthanide family, governed by an electronegativity of 1.22 and standard valence interactions.

Technological Utility

Industrial & Energy Applications

Dysprosium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.

Biological Role

Biomedical Profile & Toxicity

Dysprosium does not play a prominent biological role in human biochemistry, existing primarily as a trace element or mineral component in natural ecosystems.

Geochemistry & Abundance

Cosmic & Terrestrial Occurrence

Elements like Dysprosium are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Dysprosium is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dysprosium

Q

What are the key physical and atomic properties of Dysprosium?

Dysprosium (Dy) has an atomic number of 66 and a standard atomic mass of 162.5 u. It is positioned in Period 6, Group 3, in the F-block, and is classified within the Lanthanide category.

Q

What is the electron configuration of Dysprosium?

The ground-state electron configuration of Dysprosium is [Xe]4f¹⁰6s². Its 66 electrons are distributed across 6 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 28, 8, 2).

Q

Why does Dysprosium exhibit an electron configuration exception?

Dysprosium follows standard Aufbau principle orbital filling. Transition metals and heavy elements optimize their shell filling based on subshell exchange energy and electrostatic stability.

Q

What are the primary commercial and laboratory uses of Dysprosium?

Dysprosium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.