Difference between revisions of "Osmium"
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{{Element | name=Osmium | symbol=Os | anumber=76 | amass=190.2 amu | state=Solid | class=Transition Metals | cstructure=Hexagonal | color=Fine black powder or blue-gray solid | date=1803 | discname=Smithson Tennant and William Hyde Wollaston | origname=From the Greek ''osmê'', meaning ''odour'', due to its pungent smell. | uses=Used to tip gold pen points and instrument pivots (such as compass needles and clock bearings). Also used to make electric light filaments and for high temperature alloys and pressure bearings. | obtained=Produced as a by-product of [[nickel]] refining. }} | {{Element | name=Osmium | symbol=Os | anumber=76 | amass=190.2 amu | state=Solid | class=Transition Metals | cstructure=Hexagonal | color=Fine black powder or blue-gray solid | date=1803 | discname=Smithson Tennant and William Hyde Wollaston | origname=From the Greek ''osmê'', meaning ''odour'', due to its pungent smell. | uses=Used to tip gold pen points and instrument pivots (such as compass needles and clock bearings). Also used to make electric light filaments and for high temperature alloys and pressure bearings. | obtained=Produced as a by-product of [[nickel]] refining. }} | ||
| − | '''Osmium''' is a chemical [[element]] that is one of the [[platinum]] [[metal]]s. It is the densest of all the natural elements. Because pure osmium [[oxidize]]s to the extremely toxic osmium tetroxide, osmium is rarely used in its pure form. Osmium also has a very unique ability; it can apparently undergo osmosis. The unique electron structure of the Osmium<sup>3+</sup> ion allows it to be pulled through a thin membrane to the other side, on the surface apparently similar to water undergoing osmosis. This ability to penetrate easily into the furthest reaches of the human body is what allows it to be so toxic to humans.<ref>Advanced Chemistry 'Chemical Storylines', Salters-Nuffield, 2001</ref> | + | '''Osmium''' is a chemical [[element]] that is one of the [[platinum]] [[metal]]s. It is the densest of all the natural elements. Because pure osmium [[oxidize]]s to the extremely toxic osmium tetroxide, osmium is rarely used in its pure form. Osmium also has a very unique ability; it can apparently undergo osmosis. The unique electron structure of the Osmium<sup>3+</sup> ion allows it to be pulled through a thin membrane to the other side, on the surface apparently similar to water undergoing osmosis. This ability to penetrate easily into the furthest reaches of the human body is what allows it to be so toxic to humans.<ref>Advanced Chemistry 'Chemical Storylines', Salters-Nuffield, 2001</ref>. |
[[Category:Elements]] | [[Category:Elements]] | ||
Revision as of 00:26, March 23, 2009
| Osmium | |
|---|---|
| Properties | |
| Atomic symbol | Os |
| Atomic number | 76 |
| Classification | Transition Metals |
| Atomic mass | 190.2 amu |
| Other Information | |
| Date of discovery | 1803 |
| Name of discoverer | Smithson Tennant and William Hyde Wollaston |
| Name origin | From the Greek osmê, meaning odour, due to its pungent smell. |
| Uses | Used to tip gold pen points and instrument pivots (such as compass needles and clock bearings). Also used to make electric light filaments and for high temperature alloys and pressure bearings. |
| Obtained from | Produced as a by-product of nickel refining. |
Osmium is a chemical element that is one of the platinum metals. It is the densest of all the natural elements. Because pure osmium oxidizes to the extremely toxic osmium tetroxide, osmium is rarely used in its pure form. Osmium also has a very unique ability; it can apparently undergo osmosis. The unique electron structure of the Osmium3+ ion allows it to be pulled through a thin membrane to the other side, on the surface apparently similar to water undergoing osmosis. This ability to penetrate easily into the furthest reaches of the human body is what allows it to be so toxic to humans.[1].
- ↑ Advanced Chemistry 'Chemical Storylines', Salters-Nuffield, 2001