Consider the following statements:
- Statement-I: Some rare earth elements are used in the manufacture of flat television screens and computer monitors.
- Statement-II: Some rare earth elements have phosphorescent properties.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (a) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
Both statements are correct. Rare earth compounds such as europium and yttrium oxides act as phosphors, the light-emitting coatings that give colour in television and computer screens, so their luminescent property is exactly why they are used in displays.
- ✓ Statement-I IREL (India) Limited, a Department of Atomic Energy undertaking, lists television screens, computers and monitor displays among rare-earth uses; europium and yttrium oxides produce the red colour in television screens.
- ✓ Statement-II Rare earths have luminescent properties, and several (europium, terbium) are used as phosphors. That is why they light up screens, so this statement explains Statement-I.
Remember · Europium and yttrium oxides are rare-earth phosphors: their luminescence gives red (and, with europium, blue) colour in TV and phone screens.
Sources
- FAQ on rare earths, IREL (India) Limited (Department of Atomic Energy) ↗ · reference work “Europium and Yttrium (oxides) produce the red colors in television screens and smart phone screens. … The REEs have unique catalytic, metallurgical, nuclear, electrical, magnetic and luminescent properties.”
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper I (2025, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·