IRIDIUM
IRIDIUM - a gift from space
And again about platinoids, precious and rare metals. Today our hero is
iridium, one of the heaviest metals in the group. Only osmium can
compare with it in weight.
The chemical element with atomic number 76 is osmium. In Latin, as the
elements should be called, Osmium. White metal with a blue-gray tint
belongs to the group of platinoids.
The properties of platinoids, in particular osmium, are in many ways
unique.
The density of osmium is enormous - about 22.6 g / cm^3, it is the
heaviest of the chemical elements, metals. Imagine a metal cube with a
side of 10 centimeters - it will weigh 22.6 kilograms. The same aluminum
cube will pull 2.7 kg. The mass of an ice cube with an edge of 10
centimeters is 900 grams.
The melting point is striking - 3033 ° C, the metal begins to boil at
5012 ° C.
Let's remember chemistry. Osmium is one, but it has a lot of isotopes.
Metal atoms can have different numbers of neutrons in the nucleus.
Moreover, it is osmium. In nature, the platinoid consists of seven
isotopes, one of them is radioactive, 186Os, which is completely unique.
The half-life of the isotope is older than the age of the universe.
The watch is another mark of a man from the elite. In the mechanism of
expensive watches, osmium is used, as it does not have magnetic
properties. And his ability to abrasion is enormous. This means that in
a mechanical watch it is necessary.
Osmium compounds in medicine
Osmium tetroxide is used in the production of cortisone, a drug vital
for patients with hormonal diseases. The use of osmium tetrachloride is
necessary in laboratories in the preparation of samples for electron
microscopes.
Surgical instruments (eg scalpels) are equipped with platinoid alloy
cutting edges.
These alloys are used in the manufacture of pacemakers, implants,
valves.
Why is blue platinoid dangerous?
Metal osmium is not dangerous (unless there is a desire to eat a spoon
or two). But osmium tetroxide (OsO4), in addition to a disgusting smell,
also poses a threat to human health. It is a highly toxic, volatile
compound. Dangerous by inhalation of vapors. It must be stored in sealed
capsules, work in protective suits and with good exhaust ventilation.
IRIDIUM - a gift from space
And again about platinoids, precious and rare metals. Today our hero is
iridium, one of the heaviest metals in the group. Only osmium can
compare with it in weight.
The chemical element with atomic number 76 is osmium. In Latin, as the
elements should be called, Osmium. White metal with a blue-gray tint
belongs to the group of platinoids.
The properties of platinoids, in particular osmium, are in many ways
unique.
The density of osmium is enormous - about 22.6 g / cm^3, it is the
heaviest of the chemical elements, metals. Imagine a metal cube with a
side of 10 centimeters - it will weigh 22.6 kilograms. The same aluminum
cube will pull 2.7 kg. The mass of an ice cube with an edge of 10
centimeters is 900 grams.
The melting point is striking - 3033 ° C, the metal begins to boil at
5012 ° C.
Let's remember chemistry. Osmium is one, but it has a lot of isotopes.
Metal atoms can have different numbers of neutrons in the nucleus.
Moreover, it is osmium. In nature, the platinoid consists of seven
isotopes, one of them is radioactive, 186Os, which is completely unique.
The half-life of the isotope is older than the age of the universe.
The watch is another mark of a man from the elite. In the mechanism of
expensive watches, osmium is used, as it does not have magnetic
properties. And his ability to abrasion is enormous. This means that in
a mechanical watch it is necessary.
Osmium compounds in medicine
Osmium tetroxide is used in the production of cortisone, a drug vital
for patients with hormonal diseases. The use of osmium tetrachloride is
necessary in laboratories in the preparation of samples for electron
microscopes.
Surgical instruments (eg scalpels) are equipped with platinoid alloy
cutting edges.
These alloys are used in the manufacture of pacemakers, implants,
valves.
Why is blue platinoid dangerous?
Metal osmium is not dangerous (unless there is a desire to eat a spoon
or two). But osmium tetroxide (OsO4), in addition to a disgusting smell,
also poses a threat to human health. It is a highly toxic, volatile
compound. Dangerous by inhalation of vapors. It must be stored in sealed
capsules, work in protective suits and with good exhaust ventilation.