Final answer:
Neodymium has the electron configuration [Xe]4f⁴ 6s² and is part of the f-block as it has electrons in the 4f orbitals. It's highly sought after in technology for its strong magnetic properties, which arise from its paramagnetic nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electron configuration for neodymium (Nd) is [Xe]4f⁴ 6s². Neodymium is located in the f-block of the periodic table because of the presence of electrons in the 4f orbitals. In particular, neodymium is part of the lanthanide series which consists of elements that contain partially filled f-orbitals.
Neodymium magnets are known for being powerful and lightweight, making them suitable for various technological applications such as in stereo headphones and computer hard drives. This magnetic characteristic of neodymium is related to its unpaired electrons which make it paramagnetic and capable of responding to magnetic fields. The unique attributes of neodymium and other lanthanides have led to rapid growth in their commercial applications, playing critical roles in modern technology and clean energy solutions.