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europium

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Europium is a chemical element with the symbol Eu and atomic number 63. It is a silvery-white metal that is found in the minerals monazite and bastnasite. Europium is one of the rarest of the rare-earth elements.

Europium is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Coloured phosphors: Europium is used in coloured phosphors that are used in television screens, computer monitors, and other electronic devices.
  • Lasers: Europium is used in lasers that are used for surgery and for telecommunications.
  • Nuclear power: Europium is used in nuclear power plants to control the reaction.

How can the word be used?

Europium is used in a variety of applications, including lasers, fiber optics, and phosphors.

europium

Different forms of the word

Noun: europium, Eu.

Adjective: europium, europium-based.

Verb: to europium-dope.

Synonyms: rare-earth element, lanthanide.

Etymology

The word "europium" is a relatively modern word, first coined in 1896 by the French chemist Eugène-Anatole Demarçay. The name "europium" comes from the continent of Europe, where it was first discovered.

Question

What can europium used for?