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Understanding the element
Rhodium (Rh) is chemical element 45. 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, reflectors and jewellery.
catalystsreflectorsjewellery
Standard atomic weight102.90549(2)
What its position in the table tells us
Rhodium sits in period 5, 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
Rhodium has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses
Rhodium has a characteristic place in the periodic table that helps explain both its chemistry and its practical uses