The chemical symbol Tm represents the element Thulium.
Understanding Tm
Based on chemical conventions and the provided reference, Tm is the unique shorthand used to identify the element Thulium on the periodic table and in chemical formulas.
Key Facts About Thulium (Tm)
According to the provided information and standard chemical data:
- Name: Thulium
- Symbol: Tm
- Atomic Number: 69
- Element Category: Lanthanide (a rare earth element)
- Occurrence: Never found in pure form in nature, typically found in minerals with other rare earth elements.
Here's a quick overview in a table format:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Element Name | Thulium |
| Chemical Symbol | Tm |
| Atomic Number | 69 |
| Group | N/A (Lanthanide) |
| Period | 6 |
| Block | f |
Where is Tm Used?
While Thulium is a rare and relatively expensive element, it has some specific applications:
- Portable X-ray Machines: Thulium-169 (a stable isotope) can be activated in a nuclear reactor to become Thulium-170, which is used as a radiation source in some portable X-ray devices for medical and dental use, as well as industrial gauges.
- Lasers: Thulium-doped fibers are used to create solid-state lasers, often operating at wavelengths around 2 micrometers. These have applications in medicine (surgical lasers) and meteorology (LIDAR systems).
- Ceramics and Glass: Used as a colorant in some specialized glasses and ceramics.
- High-Temperature Superconductors: Thulium is sometimes used in high-temperature superconductor materials.
Understanding the chemical symbol Tm is fundamental for studying or working with the element Thulium and its compounds.
