Europium (Eu): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Europium (Eu): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Xe] 6s2 4f7 · f-block, lanthanide series · period 6 · Ar 151.96
Europium data
- Atomic number
- 63
- Relative atomic mass
- 151.96
- Group
- – (lanthanide series)
- Period
- 6
- Block
- f
- Category
- Lanthanide
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 6s2 4f7
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f7
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 25, 8, 2 (K L M N O P)
- Valence electrons
- 2 (in the outer shell)
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- no data
- First ionisation energy
- 5.67 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 233 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 822 °C
- Boiling point
- 1529 °C
- Density
- 5.24 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +3, +2
- Discovered
- 1901
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 18 · N 25 · O 8 · P 2
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About europium
Europium is a chemical element with the symbol Eu and atomic number 63. It belongs to the lanthanide series in period 6 (f-block), usually shown below the main table. The element was discovered in 1901. Europium is a solid at room temperature, melting at 822 °C and boiling at 1529 °C.
Europium electron configuration
The electron configuration of europium is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f7, or in short [Xe] 6s2 4f7. Its electrons occupy 6 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 18, N = 25, O = 8, P = 2. As a lanthanide, europium fills the 4f subshell. Its outer 6s subshell holds 2 electrons; valence electrons for this series are not assigned by the usual group rule. When it forms cations, electrons leave the outermost subshell first: Eu3+ = [Xe] 4f6.
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p6(10) → 3s2(12) → 3p6(18) → 4s2(20) → 3d10(30) → 4p6(36) → 5s2(38) → 4d10(48) → 5p6(54) → 6s2(56) → 4f7(63)
Uses of europium
The main uses of europium include red and blue phosphors in displays and lamps, and anti-counterfeiting marks on euro banknotes. For research and analysis you can browse europium compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
As a solid metal, europium is not especially hazardous. Fine powder can burn, and its compounds should be handled according to their SDS. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other lanthanides
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of europium?
The electron configuration of europium (Eu, atomic number 63) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f7, or [Xe] 6s2 4f7 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 18, 25, 8, 2.
How many valence electrons does europium have?
Europium has 2 electrons in its outer shell. For lanthanides and actinides, valence electrons are not assigned by the usual group rule.
Which group and period is europium in?
Europium is in the lanthanide series, period 6, f-block.
What is the atomic mass of europium?
The relative atomic mass of europium is 151.96. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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