Rare earths are in increasing demand worldwide for use in
many modern technological devices such as electric motors,
magnets, lasers, batteries, computer and LCD television
screens, iPods, mobile phones and magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) machines. They are also essential in energy efficient
technologies such as low-energy light bulbs and hybrid cars
and renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines. In
this fact sheet information on the uses and some properties
of the rare earth elements is provided. It describes where
these elements are mined in Australia.
Educational value
statement
-
- Provides detailed information on the uses of the
elements lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium,
samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium and
yttrium.
- Can be downloaded as a PDF file
Key learning
objectives
-
- Students explain what the rare earth elements are,
and explain their importance in high technology
applications
- Students give examples of how the uses of rare earth
elements are related to their properties
- Students describe the uses of particular rare earth
elements
Strands
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- Science Understanding: Chemical sciences; Earth and
space sciences
- Science as a Human Endeavour: Use and influence of
science