Chem

Platinum is a special metal because it could be called a noble metal (Newton, Baker, 2005, pg.1) Platinum symbol is Pt and also a metal (University of California, 2003). Since platinum is a transition metal it has the atomic number of seventy-six (University of California, 2003). In addition, this means that platinum belongs to group number VIII B (Stwertka, 1996, pg.175). In order for this to work, platinum has to have the atomic mass of 195.05 (University of California, 2003). Platinum was not just placed on the earth, it was founded by Charles Woods in 1941 (Stwertka, 1996, pg.176). Also, evidence shows that pre-Columbian Indians of Americas used platinum (Stwertka, 1996, pg.175). The word platinum comes from Spanish word platina, which means “silver.” This would make sense because when platinum is found it is a silvery white color when pure (Stwertka, 1996, pg.176). In addition, platinum can found freely in nature. It also can be found in deposits of sands, found in the Ural Mountains, Columbia, and the western United States. (Stwertka, 1996, pg.176) Platinum is estimated crustal abundance is 5×10-3 milligrams per kilogram(Stwertka, 1996, pg.176). The most common isotopes for platinum are Pt-196 used in experiments to test nuclear models. Also, both Pt-194 and Pt-196 are used in research for dipole strength and models. Pt-195 used for the production of the radioisotope Pt-195m used for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Finally, Pt-194 is used for the production of the medical radioisotopes Hg-195m. (Stwertka, 1996, pg.177) Platinum is used everyday without any notice of it. Almost everyday a person uses platinum. Platinum has many uses. Platinum can be used in industry, medical, dentistry, electrical, electronic, measurement, glassware, automobiles, and petroleum refining (Stwertka, 1996, pg.176). First, platinum can stop the growth of different types of cancerous tumors.This is done with the radioisotope Pt-195m (Stwertka, 1996, pg.176). In addition, platinum is used in pacemakers. There is electrodes used in the pacemaker are made of platinum. (Stwertka, 1996, pg.176) Next, since platinum has a high melting point it can be used for making glassware. It can be used to contain and handle molten glass (Stwertka, 1996, pg.176). In addition, it can be used for conducting electricity with glass tubes and bulbs (Stwertka, 1996, pg.176). Following, platinum can be used for making jewelry. It can be made into necklaces, earrings, and rings. Along with jewelry, platinum can be used for measurement. Used as the standard mass for the kilogram a bar composed of alloyed platinum iridium is stored in Paris (Stwertka, 1996, pg.176). Finally, in recent years the automobile industry has been using platinum. Platinum is used as a catalyst in the catalytic converter attached to the exhaust system. The coated ceramic grid is made of platinum. It helps clean the exhaust into water and carbon dioxide (Stwertka, 1996, pg.176) Platinum is helping the planet even when people are not. Platinum is a rare and diesable metal. Platinum is a noble metal but it can also be described as a white or a slivery white metal (Platinum, 1998, pp.42). Platinum is not just pretty in color it is also very easy to work with. This means that platinum is malleable and ductile. Also, platinum does not oxidize in the air at any temperature. (University of California, 2003) This is just one reason platinum is rare and desirable. (Newton, Baker, 2005, pg.1) Another reason could be because platinum has a high melting point of 2045.2 K and a boiling point of 4443 K. Not only having a high melting point platinum also has a hardness of 4.3 mohs. (Platinum, 1998, pp.42) Actually, the only elements that can corrode platinum are halogens, cyanides, sulfur and caustic alkalis. (University of California, 2003) Platinum is a strong and beautiful metal. Platinum is easy to get, a person can always apply for a platinum card.Platinum is easy to work with but not that cheap to buy or to produce. Platinum is $1200 /100g to buy in bulk and when pure platinum costs is $4700 /100g. (University of California, 2003) Platinum can be bought in small or large quantities. Right now, the cost of platinum has gone down in price because of the economic. The actual cost of the element would be the same prices that were stated earlier because it is a metal not a chemical element. Unbelievably, there are some interesting facts about platinum. For instance, many rappers rather have platinum teeth rather than theirown teeth. Another fact is that Platinum is eight times more expensive than gold. Platinum’s melting point is almost double of gold’s melting point. It takes about two tons of platinum to make just one ring. (University of California, 2003) Platinum might have many different features than other elements but that is what makes platinum so valuable. If platinum did not have certain feature, it would not be so rare and disable. Bibliography David Newton and Lawrence Baker.(2006) Chemical element: from carbon to krypton. Eds.Vol.3. Detroit. U*X*L Platinum. (1998). Popular science.(vol.3.pp.42). Danbury, Connecticut: Grolier, Inc. University of California.(2003).Platinum. Retrieved March 4,2009, from http://periodic.lanl.gov/elements/78.html Stwertka, A.(1996). A guide to the elements. New York: Oxford University press