Element 78
Platinum
Transition metals
Platinum (Pt) is in the d-block of the periodic table — group 10, period 6.
Platinum is a chemical element with symbol Pt and atomic number 78.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 78
- Atomic mass
- 195.085 u
- Group / Period
- 10 / 6
- Block
- d-block
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 21.45 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 1768.3 °C
- Boiling point
- 3824.8 °C
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1
Periodic table block
Platinum is in the d-block (group 10, 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
- •Catalytic converters
- •Jewelry
- •Cancer drugs
Discovery
Year: 1735
Discovered by: Antonio de Ulloa
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Platinum?
Platinum has atomic number 78. Its symbol is Pt and its atomic mass is 195.085 u.
What category of element is Platinum?
Platinum is classified as transition metals. It sits in group 10, period 6 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Platinum in?
Platinum is in the d-block (group 10, period 6). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the d subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [Xe] 4f14 5d9 6s1.
What is Platinum used for?
Common uses of Platinum include: Catalytic converters, Jewelry, Cancer drugs.
When was Platinum discovered?
Platinum was discovered in 1735 by Antonio de Ulloa.
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