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Platinum
Symbol: Pt
Atomic Number: 78
Atomic Weight: 195.08
Element Classification: Transition Metal
Discovered By: Julius Scaliger
Discovery Date: 1735 (Italy)
Name Origin: Spanish: platina (little silver).
Density (g/cc): 21.45
Melting Point (°K): 2045
Boiling Point (°K): 4100
Appearance: Very heavy, soft, silvery-white metal
Atomic Radius (pm): 139
Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 9.10
Covalent Radius (pm): 130
Ionic Radius: 65 (+4e) 80 (+2e)
Specific Heat (@20°C J/g mol): 0.133
Fusion Heat (kJ/mol): 21.76
Evaporation Heat (kJ/mol): ~470
Thermal Conductivity (@25°C W/m K):
Debye Temperature (°K): 230.00
Pauling Negativity Number: 2.28
First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): 868.1
Oxidation States: 4, 2, 0
Electronic Configuration: [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1
Lattice Structure: Face-Centered Cubic (FCC)
Lattice Constant (Å): 3.920
Lattice C/A Ratio: n/a
Mineral Hardness [no units]: 3.5
Brinell Hardness [/MN m-2]: 392
Vickers Hardness [/MN m-2]: 549
Note: Platinum is soft and malleable. While relatively few metallographers work with precious metals, other than those used in electronic
devices, Pt alloys are more commonly encountered. Abrasive embedment is a problem with platinum and its alloys.