Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be exploring the fascinating world of the periodic element platinum. Platinum is a rare and valuable metal that has many unique properties and uses. We will be discussing its atomic structure, physical and chemical properties, as well as its applications in various industries. So, let’s dive in and discover the wonders of platinum!
The Periodic Element Platinum Overview
Platinum is a chemical element with the symbol Pt and atomic number 78. It is a dense, silvery-white, highly ductile, and malleable metal that is resistant to corrosion and tarnish. Platinum has an atomic mass of 195.08 u and contains 78 protons and 78 electrons in its nucleus. It has 117 neutrons in its nucleus. Platinum is a member of the transition metals and is located in period 6 and group 10 of the periodic table. It is a solid at room temperature and is classified as a metal. Platinum has an electronegativity of 2.28 and a specific heat capacity of 0.133 J/g·K. Its melting point is 1,768.3 °C and its boiling point is 3,825 °C. The density of platinum is 21.45 g/cm³.Platinum is a highly valued metal due to its rarity and unique properties. It is used in a variety of applications, including jewelry, catalytic converters, electrical contacts, and laboratory equipment. Platinum is also used in the production of fertilizers, explosives, and petroleum refining. Due to its high melting point and resistance to corrosion, platinum is a popular material for use in high-temperature applications. Its unique properties make it a valuable element in many industries, and its scarcity makes it a highly sought-after commodity.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element platinum?
There are many everyday objects that contain chemicals or compounds that can be used to teach chemistry concepts. For example, water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and can be used to teach about chemical formulas and the properties of compounds. Salt, which is made up of sodium and chloride ions, can be used to teach about ionic bonding and the properties of solutions. Baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate, can be used to teach about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases. Other examples include vinegar, which is acetic acid, and aspirin, which is acetylsalicylic acid. By using everyday objects that contain chemicals, students can learn about chemistry concepts in a relatable and understandable way.
Differences in the periodic element platinum across states of matter
The state of an element can vary greatly depending on its temperature and pressure. At standard temperature and pressure (STP), most elements are either solids or gases. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, while gases have neither. As temperature and pressure increase, some solids can become liquids, which have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container. As temperature and pressure continue to increase, some liquids can become gases, which have neither a fixed shape nor volume. At extremely high temperatures and pressures, some gases can become plasmas, which are highly ionized and conductive. Plasmas are often found in stars and lightning bolts, and have unique properties such as the ability to emit light.
Is the periodic element platinum dangerous or radioactive?
Platinum is not considered a dangerous or radioactive element. It is a dense, malleable, and ductile metal that is highly valued for its resistance to corrosion and its use in jewelry, electronics, and catalytic converters. Platinum is also used in various medical applications, such as pacemakers and dental fillings. While platinum can be toxic in certain forms, such as platinum salts, it is generally considered safe for everyday use and handling.
Is the periodic element platinum rare and expensive?
Yes, platinum is a rare and expensive element. It is one of the least reactive metals and has a high melting point, making it useful in a variety of applications such as jewelry, catalytic converters, and electronics. Platinum is also a precious metal and is often used as a store of value, similar to gold. Due to its rarity and high demand, platinum is typically more expensive than other metals such as silver or copper.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!