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Understanding the element
Iridium (Ir) is chemical element 77. 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 spark plugs, crucibles and electronics.
spark plugscrucibleselectronics
Standard atomic weight192.217(2)
What its position in the table tells us
Iridium sits in period 6, group 9 and the D block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.
Worth remembering
Iridium has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses
Iridium has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses