Neodymium (Nd): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Neodymium (Nd): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Xe] 6s2 4f4 · f-block, lanthanide series · period 6 · Ar 144.24
Neodymium data
- Atomic number
- 60
- Relative atomic mass
- 144.24
- Group
- – (lanthanide series)
- Period
- 6
- Block
- f
- Category
- Lanthanide
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 6s2 4f4
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f4
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 22, 8, 2 (K L M N O P)
- Valence electrons
- 2 (in the outer shell)
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 1.14
- First ionisation energy
- 5.525 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 229 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 1021 °C
- Boiling point
- 3074 °C
- Density
- 7.01 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +3
- Discovered
- 1885
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 18 · N 22 · O 8 · P 2
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About neodymium
Neodymium is a chemical element with the symbol Nd and atomic number 60. It belongs to the lanthanide series in period 6 (f-block), usually shown below the main table. Neodymium was first discovered in 1885. Neodymium is a solid at room temperature, melting at 1021 °C and boiling at 3074 °C.
Neodymium electron configuration
The electron configuration of neodymium is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f4, or in short [Xe] 6s2 4f4. Its electrons occupy 6 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 18, N = 22, O = 8, P = 2. As a lanthanide, neodymium 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: Nd3+ = [Xe] 4f3.
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) → 4f4(60)
Uses of neodymium
The main uses of neodymium include NdFeB magnets, the strongest permanent magnets, for electric motors, wind turbines and speakers, and Nd:YAG lasers.
Safety
As a solid metal, neodymium 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 neodymium?
The electron configuration of neodymium (Nd, atomic number 60) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f4, or [Xe] 6s2 4f4 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 18, 22, 8, 2.
How many valence electrons does neodymium have?
Neodymium 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 neodymium in?
Neodymium is in the lanthanide series, period 6, f-block.
What is the atomic mass of neodymium?
The relative atomic mass of neodymium is 144.24. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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