Lanthanides along with which two elements are sometimes called 'rare earth elements'?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2 i.e. Yttrium and Scandium.
Lanthanides, along with Yttrium and Scandium, are often referred to as rare earth elements. This group is called "rare" not because they are scarce in the Earth's crust, but because they are rarely found in concentrated, economically viable forms. These elements share similar chemical properties, making their separation difficult. Rare earth elements are crucial in modern technology, including electronics, renewable energy, defence equipment, and medical devices. Their unique magnetic, phosphorescent, and catalytic properties make them essential for producing smartphones, electric vehicles, and wind turbines, highlighting their strategic global importance.