Rhodium (Rh)
Rhodium (Rh, element 45) is a transition metal in group 9, period 5. Atomic mass 102.906, electron configuration [Kr] 4d⁸ 5s¹, uses and facts.
About Rhodium
Rhodium is a transition metal with the symbol Rh and atomic number 45. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 9, period 5 of the periodic table. Rhodium was discovered in 1803 by William Hyde Wollaston.
Rhodium key facts
- Atomic number: 45
- Symbol: Rh
- Atomic mass: 102.906 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 9
- Period: 5
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Kr] 4d⁸ 5s¹
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 2.28
- Melting point: 2237 K (1963.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 3968 K (3694.85 °C)
- Density: 12.41 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −3, −1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of rhodium is [Kr] 4d⁸ 5s¹. The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of rhodium
- Catalytic converters
- Jewelry plating
- Mirrors
Did you know?
Rhodium is the rarest and most expensive precious metal. Used in catalytic converters to reduce car emissions.
Other elements in group 9 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of rhodium?
The atomic number of rhodium is 45, which means every rhodium atom has 45 protons.
What is the electron configuration of rhodium?
The electron configuration of rhodium is [Kr] 4d⁸ 5s¹.
What group and period is rhodium in?
Rhodium is a transition metal in group 9, period 5.
What state is rhodium at room temperature?
Rhodium is a solid at room temperature.
What is rhodium used for?
Rhodium is used for catalytic converters, jewelry plating, mirrors.