🔹 Basic Information
- Element Name: Platinum
- Discovered By: Known by pre-Columbian South Americans; officially recognized by Europeans in 1735
- Year of Discovery: 1735 (officially)
- Category: Transition Metal
- Group: 10
- State at Room Temperature: Solid (silvery-white, heavy metal) ⚙️
Platinum is a rare, dense, and corrosion-resistant metal that’s prized for its beauty and durability.
🔸 Chemical Properties
- Chemical Symbol: Pt
- Atomic Number: 78
- Atomic Mass: ~195.08 u
- Valency: +2, +4
- Electronic Configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁹ 6s¹
Platinum is very stable and resistant to corrosion and oxidation, even at high temperatures.
📘 Basic Things to Know
Platinum doesn’t tarnish or rust, which makes it perfect for jewelry, lab equipment, and catalysts. It’s also very dense and expensive!
🤔 Interesting Facts
- Platinum is heavier than gold, but both are dense precious metals. ⚖️
- It’s used in catalytic converters in cars to reduce harmful emissions. 🚗♻️
- Known as the “noble metal” because it rarely reacts with other elements.
- Platinum is a popular metal for wedding rings due to its durability and shine. 💍
- It’s also used in medical devices and electronics thanks to its stability and conductivity.
🔧 Common Uses
- Jewelry: Wedding bands, necklaces, and luxury watches. 👑
- Catalysts: Used in cars (catalytic converters) and chemical industries to speed up reactions and reduce pollution. 🔥♻️
- Laboratory Equipment: Because it withstands high temperatures and corrosion. ⚗️
- Electronics: In hard drives, thermocouples, and electrical contacts. 💻
- Medicine: Used in some cancer treatments and medical implants. 🏥
📚 Conclusion
Platinum is a precious and powerful metal that combines beauty with industrial strength. It’s essential for cleaner air, medical advances, and luxury goods. For students, platinum highlights how chemistry connects science, environment, and everyday life! 🌍💎