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Understanding the element
Osmium (Os) is chemical element 76. 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 alloys, catalysts and fountain pen.
alloyscatalystsfountain pen
Standard atomic weight190.23(3)
What its position in the table tells us
Osmium sits in period 6, group 8 and the D block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.
Worth remembering
Osmium has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses
Osmium has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses