In the context of the periodic table, “Gd” stands for Gadolinium. It is a chemical element with the atomic number 64. Gadolinium is part of the lanthanide series, a group of rare earth metals located in the f-block of the periodic table.
Key Facts About Gadolinium (Gd):
- Atomic Number: 64
- Atomic Mass: Approximately 157.25 u (atomic mass units)
- Group: Lanthanides
- Period: 6
- Electron Configuration: [Xe] 4f⁷ 5d¹ 6s²
- Properties: Silvery-white, malleable, and ductile metal; it’s relatively stable in dry air but tarnishes in moist conditions.
- Uses: Commonly used in MRI contrast agents (due to its paramagnetic properties), neutron capture in nuclear reactors, and in manufacturing phosphors for color displays.
Gadolinium was named after the mineral gadolinite, which in turn honors Finnish chemist Johan Gadolin. It’s not found naturally in its elemental form but is extracted from minerals like monazite and bastnäsite. If you meant something else by “gd” or need more details, just let me know!
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