| Attribute | Ytterbium × | Magnesium × |
|---|---|---|
| Standard state | Solid | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe]6s²4f¹⁴ | [Ne]3s² |
| Atomic mass (u) | 173.05 | 24.305 |
| Electronegativity (pauling scale) | - | 1.31 |
| Oxidation states |
|
|
| Ionization energy (eV) | 6.254 | 7.646 |
| Atomic radius (van der waals) (pm) | 242 | 173 |
| Boiling point (K) | 1469 | 1363 |
| Melting point (K) | 1092 | 923 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 6.9 | 1.74 |
| Atomic number | 70 | 12 |
| Group name | Lanthanide | Alkaline earth metal |
| Symbol | Yb | Mg |
| Discovered (year) | 1878 | 1808 |