Europium is element number 63, with the symbol Eu. Its name comes from Europe.
Atomic number 63152.0
EuEuropiumユウロピウム (yuuropiumu)
Symbol
Eu
Atomic weight
152.0
Place in the table
Period 6 · Lanthanoids
Atomic weight from the Chemical Society of Japan, “Table of Standard Atomic Weights with Four Significant Figures (2026)”.
A continent’s name
Europium was discovered in 1901 and named after Europe. It was one of the first elements discovered in the 20th century.
Where it sits on the table
The fifteen elements from lanthanum to lutetium are called the lanthanoids. On the Room of the Elements table they are in the upper of the two rows set apart at the bottom.
On the Room of the Elements table, it sits directly above americium (95). Europe sits above America.
Think about it
Q1How many elements named after continents or countries can you find?
Q2Do you think it is a coincidence that Europe and America line up vertically?
Q3Is there an element named after Asia?
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — Directly below europium (Europe) in the lanthanoids is americium (America) in the actinoids.