The Element Platinum

What is Platinum? Element Properties & Periodic Table Info

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Periodic TableWhat is the element Platinum as on the Periodic Table?

What is Platinum as on the Periodic Table? Definition of the Platinum Element
A silver-white metallic element occurring worldwide, usually mixed with other metals such as iridium,
Osmium, or Nickel. It is ductile and malleable, does not oxidize in air, and is used as a catalyst and in electrical components, jewelry, dentistry, and electroplating. Platinum is as resistant as Gold to corrosion and tarnishing and will not oxidize in air no matter how strongly it is heated.

Platinum  has the ability to conduct electricity. Platinum together with rhodium, ruthenium, palladium, osmium and iridium form a group of elements referred to as the platinum group metals (PGM). The Atomic Number of this element is 78 and the Element Symbol is Pt.

 

What is Platinum? Origin / Meaning of the name Platinum
The name originates from the Spanish word platina meaning 'little silver'. Platinum was once referred to as one of the 'Noble Metals' which also included  Gold and Silver. Noble Metals were so called due to their long association with the aristocracy.

What is Platinum? Periodic Table Group and Classification of the Platinum Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Platinum 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 Discovery of the Platinum Element
Platinum was discovered by astronomers Antonio de Ulloa and Don Jorge Juan y Santacilia in 1735.  However, the first European reference to platinum appears in 1557 in the writings of the Italian humanist Julius Caesar Scaliger (1484-1558) in which he described it as a metal found in South American gold. Sir Charles Wood independently isolated the element in 1741. The alchemical symbol for platinum was made by joining the symbols of Silver and Gold.

What is Platinum? Physical properties of Platinum
Platinum is a greyish-white metal of high lustre, and is very malleable and ductile. It melts in the oxy-hydrogen blowpipe and in the electric furnace; it is harder than gold and is a good conductor of electricity. In finely divided form it has the ability to absorb or occlude gases, especially Oxygen and hydrogen. These gases, when occluded, are in a very active condition resembling the nascent state, and can combine with each other at ordinary temperatures. A jet of hydrogen or coal gas directed upon spongy platinum is at once ignited.

What is Platinum? Occurrence of the Platinum Element
Obtained from platinum ores
Found in a native state and the ore sperrylite
Considered more precious than gold

What is Platinum? Uses of Platinum
Platinum is very valuable as a material for the manufacture of chemical utensils which are required to stand a high temperature or the action of strong reagents. Platinum crucibles, dishes, forceps, electrodes, and similar articles are indispensable in the chemical laboratory. In the industries it is used for such purposes as the manufacture of pans for evaporating sulphuric acid, wires for sealing through incandescent light bulbs, and for making a great variety of instruments. Unfortunately the supply of the metal is very limited, and the cost is steadily advancing, so that it is now more valuable than gold.

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 5×10-7%
% in Sun 9×10-7%
% in Meteorites 0.000098%
% in Earth's Crust 3.7×10-6%
% in Oceans N/A
% in Humans N/A

Associated Uses of Platinum
Used in catalytic converters for automobiles
Making crucibles
Coating missile nose cones
Jet engine fuel nozzles
Medical treatments of cancer

Pt

The Properties of the Platinum Element
Name of Element : Platinum
Symbol of Element : Pt
Atomic Number of Platinum : 78
Atomic Mass: 195.078 amu
Melting Point: 1772.0 °C - 2045.15 °K
Boiling Point: 3827.0 °C - 4100.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Platinum : 78
Number of Neutrons in Platinum : 117
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 21.45 g/cm3
Color of Platinum :
silver-white

What is Platinum? The Properties of the Platinum Element
Symbol of Element : Pt
Atomic Number: 78
Atomic Mass: 195.078 amu
Melting Point: 1772.0 °C - 2045.15 °K
Boiling Point: 3827.0 °C - 4100.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons: 78
Number of Neutrons in Platinum : 117
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 21.45 g/cm3
Color:
silver-white

Platinum as on the Periodic Table
Check out Platinum on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Platinum as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

What is Platinum - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Platinum is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Platinum with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Platinum and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol,  group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.

What is the Element Platinum

The Elements are the building blocks of Modern Science & Chemistry


 

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