Gadolinium is a metal used in medical applications, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents.
One stage in the extraction of gadolinium from its ore is to heat gadolinium fluoride with calcium.
The table shows the melting points of the substances involved in this extraction step.
| Substance | Melting point in ∘C^{\circ}\text{C}∘C |
|---|---|
| calcium | 842 |
| calcium fluoride | 1418 |
| gadolinium | 1313 |
| gadolinium fluoride | 1400 |
Balance the equation for this reaction.
‾GdF3+‾Ca→‾Gd+‾CaF2 \text{\underline{\quad\quad}} \text{GdF}_3 + \text{\underline{\quad\quad}} \text{Ca} \rightarrow \text{\underline{\quad\quad}} \text{Gd} + \text{\underline{\quad\quad}} \text{CaF}_2 GdF3+Ca→Gd+CaF2At one point in this extraction, the temperature of the reaction mixture is 1350 ∘C1350\,^{\circ}\text{C}1350∘C.
Which two substances are solids at this temperature?
Suggest the most likely type of bonding present in gadolinium fluoride.
Gadolinium reacts with oxygen to form gadolinium oxide. Suggest the chemical formula of gadolinium oxide.
The diagram shows the particles in gadolinium.
Explain, with reference to the diagram, why gadolinium is malleable and a good conductor of electricity.
