Osmium (Os)
Osmium (Os, element 76) is a transition metal in group 8, period 6. Atomic mass 190.23, electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁶ 6s², uses and facts.
About Osmium
Osmium is a transition metal with the symbol Os and atomic number 76. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 8, period 6 of the periodic table. Osmium was discovered in 1803 by Smithson Tennant.
Osmium key facts
- Atomic number: 76
- Symbol: Os
- Atomic mass: 190.23 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 8
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁶ 6s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 2.2
- Melting point: 3306 K (3032.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 5285 K (5011.85 °C)
- Density: 22.59 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −4, −2, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7, +8
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of osmium is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁶ 6s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of osmium
- Fountain pen nibs
- Electrical contacts
- Microscopy staining
Did you know?
Osmium is the densest naturally occurring element, a fist-sized piece weighs as much as a bowling ball.
Other elements in group 8 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of osmium?
The atomic number of osmium is 76, which means every osmium atom has 76 protons.
What is the electron configuration of osmium?
The electron configuration of osmium is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁶ 6s².
What group and period is osmium in?
Osmium is a transition metal in group 8, period 6.
What state is osmium at room temperature?
Osmium is a solid at room temperature.
What is osmium used for?
Osmium is used for fountain pen nibs, electrical contacts, microscopy staining.