The Element Palladium

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Definition of the Palladium Element
A soft, ductile, steel-white, tarnish-resistant, metallic element occurring naturally with Platinum, especially in Gold, Nickel, and Copperores. Palladium together with rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, iridium, and platinum form a group of elements referred to as the platinum group metals (PGM).At ordinary temperatures it is strongly resistant to corrosion in air and to the action of acids. Because it can absorb large amounts of Hydrogen, it is used as a purification filter for hydrogen and a catalyst in hydrogenation.

It is alloyed for use in electric contacts, jewelry, nonmagnetic watch parts, and surgical instruments. The element played an essential role in the Fleischmann-Pons experiment, also known as cold fusion. The Atomic Number of this element is 46 and the Element Symbol is Pd.

The Properties of the Palladium Element
Symbol of Element : Pd
Atomic Number : 46
Atomic Mass: 106.42 amu
Melting Point: 1552.0 °C - 1825.15 °K
Boiling Point: 2927.0 °C - 3200.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons: 46
Number of Neutrons: 60
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 12.02 g/cm3
Color : white

Origin / Meaning of the name Palladium
Named after the asteroid Pallas, named after the goddess of wisdom and arts - Pallas Athene, which was discovered two years before in 1801.

Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Palladium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Palladium is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. Elements classified as Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.

Facts about the History and the Discovery of the Palladium Element
Palladium was discovered by William Hyde Wollaston in 1803

History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table.

Occurrence of the Palladium Element
Found in Canada, Australia, Africa, South and North America
Obtained from platinum, nickel, copper and Mercury ores

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 2×10^-7%
% in Sun 3×10^-7%
% in Meteorites 0.000066%
% in Earth's Crust 6.3×10^-7%
% in Oceans N/A
% in Humans N/A

Associated Uses of Palladium
Electric contacts
Jewelry
Nonmagnetic watch parts
Surgical instruments
Similar to gold, palladium can be beaten into a thin leaf form
Telecommunications switching-system equipment