Elements·Ytterbium
70
Yb
Ytterbium
173.05

Ytterbium

Lanthanide

Ytterbium is element 70, symbol Yb. It sits in period 6, in the rows below the table, and weighs 173.05.

The first of the two rows pulled out below the table. So alike that separating them is hard work.

Atomic number
70
Atomic weight
173.05
Period
Period 6
Group
set below the table
Block
f block
Electron configuration
[Xe] 6s2 4f14
Neutrons
103

The periodic table

Rows are periods, columns are groups. Tap any square to open that element.

Others in the same group

Neighbours by number

How to read this

  • A row (period) is the number of electron shells. Elements in period 3 carry three of them.
  • A column (group) tells you how many electrons sit in the outer shell — which is why a group behaves alike.
  • Atomic weight runs at roughly twice the atomic number: about as many neutrons as protons.
  • The 28 lanthanides and actinides are drawn below the table. Slotting them in would stretch it to 32 columns.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What are Ytterbium's number and symbol?

Element 70, symbol Yb, atomic weight 173.05.

Q. Where does it sit in the table?

Period 6, among the lanthanides drawn below the table.

Q. What is its electron configuration?

1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14, or [Xe] 6s2 4f14 for short.

Q. How many neutrons does it have?

Rounding the atomic weight and subtracting the atomic number gives 103. The exact count depends on the isotope.