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Terbium Tb
Where is terbium used--or where does it impact your everyday life?
Used for supermagnets in hybrid car motors, for example the Ford Focus hybrids and the Toyota Prius. Neodymium is alloyed with other metals to make strong, lighter-weight motors. Terbium and dysprosium increase the heat resistance of the neodymium, so the neodymium is less likely to melt. Seen in the photograph is Biology teacher Ms. S with the engine bay of her hybrid car.
Terbium, symbol Tb
Atomic number 65
Atomic mass 158.9
Solid at room temperature
Melting point: 1356 oC (2472.8 oF)
Boiling point: 3230 oC (5846 oF)
Density at room temp. 8.23 g/mL
Hazard: moderately toxic
Reactions with air
With oxygen: burns to form oxide 8Tb + 7O2--> 2Tb4O7
Solubility in water (or reaction): no information
Electron configuration: [Xe] 6s2 4f9
Researched by Isabel M
Terbium fluoresces green on euro notes when put in UV light
