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Platinum (Pt)
Element with atomic number 78, category: Transition metal, a solid at room temperature.
Element 78 of 118
Transition metal
Platinum
Group 10, Period 6
Common Uses
Catalysts, jewelry
Electron Diagram
About Platinum
Platinum is a chemical element with the symbol Pt and atomic number 78, meaning every atom has 78 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Transition metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 195.084 atomic mass units (u).
On the periodic table, Platinum sits in group 10, period 6, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.
Uses of Platinum
In daily life and industry, Platinum is used for Catalysts, jewelry. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Transition metal category.
Electron Structure of Platinum
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), Platinum has 5 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 32, 18 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.