Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Lutetium exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the lanthanide family, governed by an electronegativity of 1.27 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 71Lanthanide
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabLutetium
Lu
Standard Atomic Mass: 174.97 u
Period 6Group 3D-Block
Chemical Specimen/Lu
Concentric Electron Shells6 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 32e⁻→
n=5: 9e⁻→
n=6: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Lanthanide
3D Atom SimulatorLutetium (Lu) Scientific Profile
Lutetium (Lu) is an element with atomic number 71, classified as a lanthanide. Positioned in Period 6, Group 3, and D-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Xe]4f¹⁴5d¹6s²) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Lutetium
3D Orbitals & Valence Lab
Simulate concentric quantum energy levels, observe valence electron spins, and examine live atomic clouds in full 3D.
Electronic Configuration Lab
Experiment with Aufbau subshell ordering, explore orbital occupancy, and analyze quantum configuration exceptions.
Electron Config
[Xe]4f¹⁴5d¹6s²
Electronegativity
1.27 Pauling
Year Discovered
1907
Orbital Shells
6 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
d-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 3 • P: 6
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Lutetium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Lutetium 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 Lutetium are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Lutetium is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lutetium
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Lutetium?
Lutetium (Lu) has an atomic number of 71 and a standard atomic mass of 174.97 u. It is positioned in Period 6, Group 3, in the D-block, and is classified within the Lanthanide category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Lutetium?
The ground-state electron configuration of Lutetium is [Xe]4f¹⁴5d¹6s². Its 71 electrons are distributed across 6 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 32, 9, 2).
Q
Why does Lutetium exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Lutetium 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 Lutetium?
Lutetium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.