Neodymium, Nd\text{Nd}Nd, is a metal used to make powerful permanent magnets.
Neodymium can be obtained by heating its oxide with lanthanum, La\text{La}La.
Nd2O3+2La→2Nd+La2O3 \text{Nd}_2\text{O}_3 + 2\text{La} \rightarrow 2\text{Nd} + \text{La}_2\text{O}_3 Nd2O3+2La→2Nd+La2O3The table shows the melting points of the substances involved in this reaction.
| Substance | Neodymium | Neodymium oxide | Lanthanum | Lanthanum oxide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point in ∘C^{\circ}\text{C}∘C | 1021 | 2233 | 920 | 2315 |
The operating temperature for this reaction is 980∘C980^\circ\text{C}980∘C.
Explain which substance in the table could exist as a liquid at this temperature.
Neodymium oxide neutralises hydrochloric acid to form neodymium chloride, NdCl3\text{NdCl}_3NdCl3.
Write a chemical equation for this reaction.
This diagram shows the arrangement of the particles in neodymium.
Explain why neodymium is malleable and is a good conductor of electricity.
