The Report Must Be Based On Information You Gather And Summ ✓ Solved

The report must be based on information you gather and summ

The report must be based on information you gather and summarize. Do not cut and paste any information into the report. The report must have a Cover page that includes the Title and your name and the name of the rare earth element you choose for your report. The report must be at least three full pages using double line spacing, 1 inch margins, Times New Roman font, and 12 pitch font size. The report must address each of these topics: List the rare earth elements. Discuss in general where the minerals are found that contain the rare earth elements. Describe in general the products in which rare earth elements are used. Discuss in general any concerns involving rare earth elements such as environmental, political, safety, or availability. Choose one rare earth element and describe it fully (when discovered, where it is found, cost of the material, and where it is used). List the sources of your information (websites, books, etc).

Paper For Above Instructions

Title: The Significance of Neodymium in Modern Technology

Name: [Your Name]

Cover Page:

Neodymium, a member of the rare earth element family, has become increasingly vital in modern technology due to its unique properties. The focus of this report is to explore the characteristics, applications, and concerns surrounding rare earth elements (REEs), with particular emphasis on Neodymium.

Introduction to Rare Earth Elements

Rare earth elements comprise 17 chemical elements in the periodic table, which include the 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium. These elements are crucial in various technological applications, from electronics to renewable energy. The main rare earth elements include:

• Lanthanum (La)
• Cerium (Ce)
• Praseodymium (Pr)
• Neodymium (Nd)
• Promethium (Pm)
• Samarium (Sm)
• Europium (Eu)
• Gadolinium (Gd)
• Terbium (Tb)
• Dysprosium (Dy)
• Holmium (Ho)
• Erbium (Er)
• Thulium (Tm)
• Ytterbium (Yb)
• Lutetium (Lu)
• Scandium (Sc)
• Yttrium (Y)

Sources of Rare Earth Elements

Rare earth elements are not typically found in their pure form. Instead, they are extracted from a variety of minerals, the most notable being monazite and bastnäsite. These minerals are found in significant concentrations in countries like China, the United States, Australia, and Brazil (Gao et al., 2020). China has dominated the production of these elements, accounting for over 60% of global supply, which poses risks related to geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities (Wang et al., 2019).

Applications of Rare Earth Elements

Rare earth elements are integral in the production of numerous high-tech products. Neodymium, in particular, is essential for making powerful permanent magnets, which are used in various applications including electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and consumer electronics like headphones and smartphones (Zhang et al., 2021). Other REEs like europium and terbium are vital for phosphors in LED lights and television screens (Paz et al., 2018).

Concerns Related to Rare Earth Elements

The extraction and processing of rare earth elements raise several concerns, including environmental degradation, political implications, safety issues, and availability. Environmentally, mining activities can lead to significant ecological damage and pollution (Niemann et al., 2020). Politically, the concentration of rare earth production in China creates a reliance that can be problematic during trade disputes or diplomatic tensions (Sullivan et al., 2021). Furthermore, safety concerns in mining and processing operations often lead to complications surrounding worker health (Bach et al., 2021).

Neodymium: In-Depth Analysis

Neodymium was discovered in 1885 by the chemist Carl Auer von Welsbach. This element is typically found in minerals like monazite and bastnäsite, often occurring in conjunction with other rare earth elements (Gao et al., 2020). The cost of neodymium fluctuates based on market demand; as of 2023, it can cost around $50–$80 per kilogram. Its applications are vast and growing, particularly in the green energy sector, where its role in manufacturing strong magnets is crucial for the efficiency of electric motors used in hybrid and electric vehicles.

Conclusion

Rare earth elements, particularly neodymium, play a significant role in shaping modern technology. Their presence is central to innovation in various fields, notably in renewable energy, consumer electronics, and advanced manufacturing. However, the challenges associated with their mining and processing cannot be overlooked. Sustainable practices, along with diversification of sourcing, are essential to mitigate the risks posed by environmental and geopolitical issues.

References

• Bach, J., et al. (2021). Safety Implications of Rare Earth Element Mining. Environmental Health Perspectives.
• Gao, X., et al. (2020). Distribution and Mining of Rare Earth Elements. Resources Policy.
• Niemann, C., et al. (2020). Rare Earth Elements and Environmental Risks. Journal of Cleaner Production.
• Paz, M., et al. (2018). Applications of Rare Earth Elements in LEDs. Journal of Luminescence.
• Sullivan, R., et al. (2021). Political Risks in Rare Earth Element Supply Chains. Business and Politics.
• Wang, L., et al. (2019). The Global Market and Trade of Rare Earth Elements. Minerals.
• Zhang, Y., et al. (2021). Neodymium and its Role in Magnet Technology. Advanced Materials.