Mendeleev
Periodic table · chemistry · physics
Element story

Platinum

Atomic number 78 means that every Platinum nucleus contains 78 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Platinum.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 78 means that every Platinum nucleus contains 78 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Platinum.

Platinum (Pt) is chemical element 78. It belongs to the transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

In practice, it turns up most often in catalysts, jewellery and medical applications.

See the atom

Conceptual visual: electron shells are a learning aid, not a literal picture of quantum orbitals.

What this number means

Atomic number 78 means that every Platinum nucleus contains 78 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Platinum.

Keep exploring

→ Platinum · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

78PtPlatinum
Platinum · Pt · Z = 78

Platinum (Pt) is chemical element 78. It belongs to the transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Understanding the element

Platinum (Pt) is chemical element 78. It belongs to the transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Where do we encounter it?

In practice, it turns up most often in catalysts, jewellery and medical applications.

What its position in the table tells us

Platinum sits in period 6, group 10 and the D block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.