Platinum (Pt): Fun Facts and Information About the Element

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Fun Facts about Platinum

What is the symbol? Pt
What is the atomic number? 78
What is the atomic weight? 195.078
What is the melting point in Celsius? 1772
What is the boiling point in Celsius? 3827
What is the density (g/cm3)? 21.45
What year was it discovered? 1735
Who discovered the element? “Known to pre-Columbian Indians
Antonio de Ulloa”
What group is the element in? 10
What is the electron configuration? [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1
What is the ionization energy? 8.9587
What element category is it in? Transition Elements

Where is Platinum Found?

Platinum occurs natively, accompanied by small quantities of iridium, osmium, palladium, ruthenium, and rhodium, all belonging to the same group of metals. These are found in the alluvial deposits of the Ural mountains, of Columbia, and of certain western American states. Sperrylite, occurring with the nickel-bearing deposits of Sudbury, Ontario, is the source of a considerable amount of metal.

What is Platinum Used For?

The metal is extensively used in jewelry, wire, and vessels for laboratory use, and in many valuable instruments.

The metal is used for coating missile nose cones, jet engine fuel nozzles, which must perform reliably at high temperatures for long periods of time.

Platinum anodes are extensively used in cathodic protection systems for large ships and ocean-going vessels, pipelines, steel piers. Fine platinum wire will glow red hot when placed in the vapor of methyl alcohol. The phenomenon has been used commercially to produce cigarette lighters and hand warmers. Hydrogen and oxygen explode in the presence of platinum.

Resource by B.Matthews

I am a fun outgoing girl who loves to go to concerts and sit on the grass and read. My favorite books are those that make me think about life, love and how the world spins around no matter the troubles that you're going through.

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