Osmium (Os)

About Osmium

Osmium is a chemical element with the symbol Os and atomic number 76, meaning every atom has 76 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Transition metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 190.23 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Osmium sits in group 8, period 6, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Osmium

In daily life and industry, Osmium is used for Pen tips. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Transition metal category.

Electron Structure of Osmium

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), Osmium has 5 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 32, 16 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.

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