Element 76
Osmium
Transition metals
Osmium (Os) is in the d-block of the periodic table — group 8, period 6.
Osmium (from Greek osme (ὀσμή) meaning "smell") is a chemical element with symbol Os and atomic number 76.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 76
- Atomic mass
- 190.233 u
- Group / Period
- 8 / 6
- Block
- d-block
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 22.59 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 3032.8 °C
- Boiling point
- 5011.9 °C
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 4f14 5d6 6s2
Periodic table block
Osmium is in the d-block (group 8, period 6). Elements land in the d-block when their highest-energy electrons fill a d subshell — these are the transition metals in the middle of the table.
New to this? Periodic table blocks explained: s, p, d, and f
Common uses
- •Densest natural element
- •Pen-tip alloys
- •Electrical contacts
Discovery
Year: 1803
Discovered by: Smithson Tennant
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Osmium?
Osmium has atomic number 76. Its symbol is Os and its atomic mass is 190.233 u.
What category of element is Osmium?
Osmium is classified as transition metals. It sits in group 8, period 6 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Osmium in?
Osmium is in the d-block (group 8, period 6). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the d subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [Xe] 4f14 5d6 6s2.
What is Osmium used for?
Common uses of Osmium include: Densest natural element, Pen-tip alloys, Electrical contacts.
When was Osmium discovered?
Osmium was discovered in 1803 by Smithson Tennant.
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