Dysprosium (Dy) Fun Facts

66 Dy
Superhero Identity

"The Heat-Resister, a hero who joins forces with Neodymium to keep magnets strong in hot environments like electric car motors."

The true essence of Dysprosium (Dy) on the molecular frontier.

Appearance

Dysprosium is a soft, bright, silvery metal.

Everyday Connection

Dysprosium is found as a component of the high-performance magnets in electric vehicles.

In Pop Culture

Dysprosium is used in nuclear control rods due to its ability to absorb neutrons.

Did You Know?

1

Its name comes from the Greek word 'dysprositos', meaning 'hard to get at', because it was extremely difficult to isolate from its ores.

2

It is added in small amounts to neodymium magnets to help them resist losing their magnetism at high temperatures, which is critical for magnets in electric vehicle motors.

3

Like terbium, it is used in the magnetostrictive alloy Terfenol-D.

4

It has a very high magnetic susceptibility, meaning it is strongly attracted to magnets.

5

Dysprosium is also used in control rods in nuclear reactors because of its ability to absorb neutrons.