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Iridium (Ir)
Element with atomic number 77, category: Transition metal, a solid at room temperature.
Element 77 of 118
Transition metal
Iridium
Group 9, Period 6
Common Uses
Spark plugs
Electron Diagram
About Iridium
Iridium is a chemical element with the symbol Ir and atomic number 77, meaning every atom has 77 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Transition metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 192.217 atomic mass units (u).
On the periodic table, Iridium sits in group 9, period 6, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.
Uses of Iridium
In daily life and industry, Iridium is used for Spark plugs. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Transition metal category.
Electron Structure of Iridium
Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Iridium has 5 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 32, 17 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.
Explore Other Elements
Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.