Neodymium

Symbol: Nd
Atomic number: 60
Atomic weight: 144.24
Density (at room temperature and pressure): 7.007 g/cc
Melting point: 1,021°C
Boiling point: 3,070°C
Valence: +3
Ground state electron configuration: [Xe]4f⁴6s²

Recently, I did an experiment wherein I got hold of three tubes: one copper, one aluminum, one plastic (the control). I dropped a neodymium magnet down each of the tubes and the results were amazing. The magnet dropped down the copper tube actually fell slower than 9.8m/s² (the acceleration of gravity). The aluminum also had a slight effect and, of course, the plastic PVC pipe had no affect on the rate of fall. All this was due to Lenz's Law and the strength of the magnet.

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Ne`o*dym"i*um (?), n. [NL. Dee Neo- , and Didymium.] (Chem.)

An elementary substance which forms one of the constituents of didymium. Symbol Nd. Atomic weight 140.8.

© Webster 1913

Ne`o*dym"i*um (?), n. [NL. See Neo- , Didymium.] (Chem.)

A rare metallic element occurring in combination with cerium, lanthanum, and other rare metals, and forming amethyst-colored salts. It was separated in 1885 by von Welsbach from praseodymium, the two having previously been regarded as a single element (didymium). It is chiefly trivalent. Symbol Nd; at. wt. 144.3.

© Webster 1913