Platinum-element

Platinum – Naming, Occurrence, Properties, Uses and Isotopes

Introduction to Platinum element

Platinum is classified as a transition metal located in group number 10 and period number 6 of the periodic table.

  • The atomic number of platinum is 78 whereas its atomic mass is 195.084.
  • The single neutral atom of platinum contains 78 electrons.
  • The nucleus of platinum contains 78 protons and 117 neutrons.
  • It is represented by the symbol “Pt”.

Naming and History

The name Platinum is derived from the Spanish word “Platina” which means “Little silver”.

An ancient Egyptian casket from around the 7th century, B.C, provided probably the oldest known specimen of platinum. Otherwise, Asia and Europe did not know it for almost the next two millennia.

  • Julius C Scaliger

Julius C Scaliger, an Italian scientist in 1557 first wrote about metal that could not melt by fire or any other object. He further described that it was present in the mines between Mexico and Panama.

  • Francois Chabaneaus

Francois Chabaneaus, a French chemist in 1783 discovered a feasible and viable method for the production of platinum. But the metal was not pure and high quality. There were many impurities in the sample.

  • William Wollaston

In the early 19th century, an English scientist William Wollaston developed the process for the production of pure platinum metal.

Occurrence of Platinum

Platinum exists in uncombined as well as combined form in nature. Its nuggets are independently found. In a combined state, it occurs in ores and iridium-platinum or osmium-platinum alloys. It is a rare and valuable metal. The major producers of Platinum are South Africa, Russia, and North America.

It is also found in gold-bearing sands of the Ural Mountains, Canada, Columbia, and western America. The ore sperrylite also contains platinum. Sometimes it is also obtained as a by-product of nickel mining.

Properties of Platinum

Platinum is the silverish-whitish, soft, malleable, ductile, precious, valuable, and rare metal with a magnificent lustrous sheen. It is the third most dense element of all elements just after osmium and iridium. It is highly corrosion-resistant. It remains unaffected by water and air. It does not oxidize in the air on heating.

Hot concentrated sulphuric acids and phosphoric acids, molten alkalies, and hot aqua regia attack the metal. Halogens and cyanides also affect platinum. The melting point of platinum is 1768.4°C and its boiling point is 3825°C. It has a density of 21.46 grams per cubic centimeter. Platinum metal exists in the solid phase at room temperature.

Properties-of-Platinum

Biological Importance of Platinum

Platinum element has no role in biological systems. It is considered to be a non-toxic element.

Uses of Platinum

  1. Due to its silverish-whitish color, beautiful luster, and tarnish resistance, platinum is widely used in jewelry. Thus, it is the most valuable among gold and silver. About 50% platinum is used in jewelry.
  2. 30% of platinum is used as catalytic converters in mobile industries such as cars, buses, and trucks. In automobile gasoline-fueled exhaust systems, it is an optional component.
  3. Platinum is alloyed with cobalt to produce super magnets.
  4. Due to the equal thermal expansion coefficient to glass, it is widely used in making electrodes in sealed glass.
  5. It is used in making wires, electrical contacts, resistant wires, and optical fibers.
  6. It is used in dental tools and fillings, pacemakers, and other surgical implants due to zero toxicity.
  7. Platinum is also used in laboratory vessels and utensils.
  8. Platinum is used in liquid crystal displays, especially in laptops, hard disks, and thermocouples.
  9. Tones of platinum metal are used in the aircraft industry, engine nozzles, and missile coats.
  10. Some platinum compounds are reported to be used in chemotherapy drugs and cancer treatments.
Further Reading:  Sodium and Preparation of Sodium

Isotopes of Platinum

There are almost 35 known isotopes of platinum whose mass numbers range from 202 to 168. The naturally occurring and stable platinum is a mixture of six isotopes. The most abundant one of them is Pt- 194 with 33% abundance.

MCQs about Platinum

  • What is the atomic number of platinum?
    • A) 76
    • B) 77
    • C) 78
    • D) 79
    • Answer: C) 78
  • Who first wrote about a metal that could not melt by fire or any other object?
    • A) Julius C Scaliger
    • B) Francois Chabaneaus
    • C) William Wollaston
    • D) Humphry Davy
    • Answer: A) Julius C Scaliger
  • What is the most abundant isotope of platinum?
    • A) Pt-194
    • B) Pt-196
    • C) Pt-198
    • D) Pt-200
    • Answer: A) Pt-194
  • What does the name “Platinum” mean in Spanish?
    • A) Big silver
    • B) Little silver
    • C) White metal
    • D) Rare metal
    • Answer: B) Little silver
  • Who discovered a feasible method for the production of platinum?
    • A) Julius C Scaliger
    • B) Francois Chabaneaus
    • C) William Wollaston
    • D) Humphry Davy
    • Answer: B) Francois Chabaneaus
  • Which of the following acids does not affect platinum?
    • A) Sulphuric acid
    • B) Phosphoric acid
    • C) Hydrochloric acid
    • D) Aqua regia
    • Answer: C) Hydrochloric acid
  • In which industry is platinum widely used as catalytic converters?
    • A) Aerospace
    • B) Telecommunications
    • C) Automotive
    • D) Energy
    • Answer: C) Automotive
  • What is the boiling point of platinum?
    • A) 2446.3°C
    • B) 3825°C
    • C) 4428°C
    • D) 1768.4°C
    • Answer: B) 3825°C
  • Where is platinum primarily found in nature?
    • A) In pure elemental form
    • B) Combined with oxygen
    • C) In gold-bearing sands
    • D) In ores and alloys
    • Answer: D) In ores and alloys
  • Which element is platinum commonly alloyed with to produce super magnets?
    • A) Cobalt
    • B) Iron
    • C) Nickel
    • D) Copper
    • Answer: A) Cobalt
  • What is the density of platinum?
    • A) 20.33 grams per cubic centimeter
    • B) 22.42 grams per cubic centimeter
    • C) 21.46 grams per cubic centimeter
    • D) 19.32 grams per cubic centimeter
    • Answer: C) 21.46 grams per cubic centimeter
  • Which region is not a major producer of platinum?
    • A) South Africa
    • B) Russia
    • C) North America
    • D) Europe
    • Answer: D) Europe
  • What is the primary use of platinum in the jewelry industry?
    • A) Making earrings
    • B) Coating rings
    • C) Alloying with gold
    • D) Making necklaces
    • Answer: C) Alloying with gold
  • Who developed the process for the production of pure platinum metal?
    • A) Julius C Scaliger
    • B) Francois Chabaneaus
    • C) William Wollaston
    • D) Humphry Davy
    • Answer: C) William Wollaston
  • What is the color of platinum?
    • A) Goldish-yellow
    • B) Silverish-whitish
    • C) Pinkish-red
    • D) Greenish-blue
    • Answer: B) Silverish-whitish
  • What is the primary use of platinum in liquid crystal displays?
    • A) Coating
    • B) Manufacturing
    • C) Electrodes
    • D) Thermocouples
    • Answer: C) Electrodes
  • What was the ancient Egyptian casket made of?
    • A) Platinum
    • B) Gold
    • C) Silver
    • D) Copper
    • Answer: A) Platinum
  • What is the atomic mass of platinum?
    • A) 192.217
    • B) 195.084
    • C) 197.257
    • D) 199.247
    • Answer: B) 195.084
  • What is the melting point of platinum?
    • A) 2446.3°C
    • B) 3825°C
    • C) 4428°C
    • D) 1768.4°C
    • Answer: D) 1768.4°C
  • How many known isotopes of platinum are there?
    • A) 28
    • B) 31
    • C) 35
    • D) 38
    • Answer: C) 35
  • Who provided the oldest known specimen of platinum?
    • A) Julius C Scaliger
    • B) Francois Chabaneaus
    • C) William Wollaston
    • D) Ancient Egyptians
    • Answer: D) Ancient Egyptians
  • What did Julius C Scaliger describe about platinum in 1557?
    • A) It was used as currency
    • B) It could not melt by fire or any other object
    • C) It was abundant in Europe
    • D) It was discovered in the Americas
    • Answer: B) It could not melt by fire or any other object
  • In which country was platinum first described as a viable method for production?
    • A) Italy
    • B) France
    • C) Spain
    • D) England
    • Answer: B) France
  • Which acid does not affect platinum?
    • A) Sulphuric acid
    • B) Nitric acid
    • C) Hydrochloric acid
    • D) Aqua regia
    • Answer: B) Nitric acid
  • What percentage of platinum is used in catalytic converters?
    • A) 10%
    • B) 20%
    • C) 30%
    • D) 40%
    • Answer: C) 30%
  • Where is platinum primarily found as a by-product of mining?
    • A) Gold mines
    • B) Nickel mines
    • C) Diamond mines
    • D) Copper mines
    • Answer: B) Nickel mines
  • Which element is platinum commonly alloyed with to produce dental tools and fillings?
    • A) Cobalt
    • B) Iron
    • C) Gold
    • D) Silver
    • Answer: C) Gold
  • How many neutrons does the nucleus of platinum contain?
    • A) 76
    • B) 78
    • C) 117
    • D) 194
    • Answer: C) 117
Further Reading:  Calcium oxide – Lime

 

Summary

In conclusion, platinum, a distinguished transition metal with atomic number 78, boasts a rich history, remarkable properties, and diverse applications.

Naming and History:

  • The name “Platinum” stems from the Spanish word “Platina,” meaning “Little silver.” Its discovery dates back to ancient times, with notable mentions by scientists like Julius C Scaliger and Francois Chabaneaus.

Occurrence:

  • Found in both uncombined and combined forms, platinum occurs in nuggets and various ores across continents, primarily in South Africa, Russia, and North America. It’s also a by-product of nickel mining.

Properties:

  • Platinum exhibits a silverish-whitish appearance, exceptional malleability, and a magnificent lustrous sheen. Its resistance to corrosion and high melting point make it invaluable in various industries.

Biological Importance:

  • While platinum holds no biological significance, its non-toxic nature makes it suitable for medical applications, such as pacemakers and surgical implants.

Uses:

  • Widely cherished in jewelry, platinum also finds utility in catalytic converters, super magnets, electrical components, glass electrodes, and aerospace technologies. It’s even employed in cancer treatments and chemotherapy drugs.
Further Reading:  Neon: Occurrence, Properties, Uses, and Isotopes of Neon

Isotopes:

  • With nearly 35 known isotopes, platinum’s most abundant variant is Pt-194, constituting 33% of its naturally occurring composition.

Overall, platinum’s enduring legacy as a precious metal, combined with its versatility across industries, underscores its status as a cornerstone of modern technological advancement.