Rhodium

 


 

Name Rhodium
Symbol Rh
Atomic Number 45
Atomic Mass 102.9055 atomic mass units
Number of Protons 45
Number of Neutrons 58
Number of Electrons 45
Melting Point 1966.0° C
Boiling Point 3727.0° C
Density 12.41 grams per cubic centimeter
Normal Phase Solid
Family Transition Metals
Period 5
Cost $1,000 per troy ounce

 


 

Origin of Name From the Greek word rhodon, meaning rose
Date and Place of Discovery In 1803 in England
Discovered by William H. Wollaston
Common Compounds
Interesting facts
  • It is the rarest of all non-radioactive metals on the earth.
  • World production is only three tonnes each year and it is mainly used as a catalyst.
  • It is a hard and durable metal with a high reflectance.
  • It has a higher melting point and lower density than platinum.
  • It is not attacked by acids and is insoluble in nitric acid.
Common Uses
  • Electrical contact material
  • Electroplating
  • Jewelry (white gold)
  • An alloy to harden platinum and palladium
  • Catalytic converters
  • Filters in mammography

 

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Chemical Elements
Los Alamos National Labs
Web Elements
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