Palladium
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Palladium (Pd) is a silver-white metal that has the atomic number 46 in the periodic table. It is a Transition metal and located in Group 10 of the periodic table. It has the symbol Pd.
Palladium is a rare metal that is lustrous and silvery white. It is a platinum metal which can be beaten into a think leaf like gold. It is strongly resistant to corrosion. Palladium like Rhodium is used in catalytic convertors of cars and is also used as a catalyst in the cracking of petrol fractions. Palladium is a free metal that is found in the earths crust. It was discovered in 1803 by William Wollaston. He examined residues left over from platinum reactions and upon heating extracted Palladium Cyanide. Its name stems from the word ‘Pallas’ the Greek Goddess of wisdom. It is located in Group 10 as a Transition metal. It has a melting point of 1555°c and a boiling point of 2960°c.
FAQ's
William Wollaston
1803
Uses
Used as a substitue for silver in dental items and jewelry. The pure metal is used as the delicate mainsprings in analog wristwatches. Also used in surgical instruments and as catalyst .
Sources
Obtained with platinum, nickel, copper and mercury ores.
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
Pd
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