Platinum
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| General Properties | |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 78 |
| Atomic mass | 195.084amu |
| Atomic radius | 177pm |
| Electron Configuration | [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1 |
| Density | 21.5g/cm3 |
| Melting point | 1768°C |
| Boiling point | 3825°C |
| First discovered/ developed | Ancient |
| Most common compound on Earth | PtS (Cooperite Ore) |
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Description and uses
Platinum is the 78th element of the periodic table. It does not oxidise, and is compared with gold for its unreactivity.
Platinum's main use is in catalytic converters in cars and other vehicles. It is used as a catalyst to turn harmful waste coming from combusting fuel in cars,
such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, into less harmful waste products, such as carbon dioxide.
Platinum is also widely used in jewellery. Like gold, it does not tarnish, and has a brilliant white shine. However, it is stronger and more malleable than gold,
so it can commonly be used in combination with diamonds in rings and armbands, as it holds them more securely.
Platinum has 6 naturally occurring isotopes, with atomic masses ranging from 190 to 198. The most abundant one is 195Pt, with an abundance of around
33.8%, closely followed by 196Pt, which has an abundance of around 32.9%. 190Pt is radioactive, with a half-life of around
4.8x1011years. All isotopes of platinum are either radioactive or observationally stable.