Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Pt |
| Atomic Number | 78 |
| Atomic Mass | 195.08 u |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Period | 6 |
| Group | 10 |
| Block | d |
| Electron Configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁹ 6s¹ |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| State at 20°C | Solid |
| Density | 21.45 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1768°C (2041 K) |
| Boiling Point | 3825°C (4098 K) |
| Appearance | Silvery-white, lustrous metal |
History and Discovery
Discovered by: Antonio de Ulloa Year of Discovery: 1735 Location: Colombia (South America)
Etymology
From Spanish "platina" meaning "little silver."
Applications and Uses
- Automotive catalytic converters (main use)
- Jewelry
- Investment (coins, bars)
- Chemical catalysts
- Cancer treatment (cisplatin)
- Laboratory equipment
Interesting Facts
- Name comes from Spanish "platina" (little silver)
- Ancient Egyptians and South Americans used platinum
- More rare than gold
- Crucial for reducing vehicle emissions
- Symbol of prestige—"platinum" credit cards, albums