Palladium

 


 

Name Palladium
Symbol Pd
Atomic Number 46
Atomic Mass 106.42 atomic mass units
Number of Protons 46
Number of Neutrons 60
Number of Electrons 46
Melting Point 1552.0° C
Boiling Point 2927.0° C
Density 12.02 grams per cubic centimeter
Normal Phase Solid
Family Transition Metal
Period 5
Cost $15 per 100 grams

 


 

Origin of Name From the Greek word Pallas, the goddess of wisdom
Date and Place of Discovery In 1803 in London, England
Discovered by William H. Wollaston
Common Compounds
Interesting facts
  • It is the least dense and has the lowest melting point of the platinum metals.
  • It is chemically attacked by sulfuric, nitric and hydrochloric acid.
  • It does not react with oxygen, which means it does not tarnish in air. It will tarnish slightly in moist air that contains sulfur.
  • When it absorbs large amounts of hydrogen, it will swell up like a sponge full of water.
Common Uses
  • Dentistry
  • Watch making
  • Aircraft spark plugs
  • Surgical instruments
  • Electrical contacts
  • Signs
  • Once prescribed as a treatment for tuberculosis until more effective drugs were discovered.

 

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