Where are the rare earth elements found on the periodic table?
Quick Answer
They are mainly the lanthanides, usually shown in the separate row below the main table. Scandium and yttrium are often grouped with them because of similar chemistry.
The Full Story
The term rare earth elements usually refers to the lanthanides, which are displayed in a separate row below the main periodic table. In many practical contexts, scandium and yttrium are also included because they behave similarly in chemistry. These elements are widely used in magnets, phosphors, catalysts, lasers, and batteries. Despite the name, they are not all especially rare, but they are often difficult to extract and separate economically.
Key Facts
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"Why the “rare earths” are hidden in a lower row"
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