Ruthenium (Ru)
Ruthenium (Ru, element 44) is a transition metal in group 8, period 5. Atomic mass 101.07, electron configuration [Kr] 4d⁷ 5s¹, uses and facts.
About Ruthenium
Ruthenium is a transition metal with the symbol Ru and atomic number 44. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 8, period 5 of the periodic table. Ruthenium was discovered in 1844 by Karl Ernst Claus.
Ruthenium key facts
- Atomic number: 44
- Symbol: Ru
- Atomic mass: 101.07 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 8
- Period: 5
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Kr] 4d⁷ 5s¹
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 2.2
- Melting point: 2607 K (2333.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 4423 K (4149.85 °C)
- Density: 12.45 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −2, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7, +8
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of ruthenium is [Kr] 4d⁷ 5s¹. The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of ruthenium
- Catalysts
- Electronics
- Fountain pen nibs
Did you know?
Ruthenium is one of the rarest elements in Earth's crust. Used in fountain pen nibs for durability.
Other elements in group 8 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of ruthenium?
The atomic number of ruthenium is 44, which means every ruthenium atom has 44 protons.
What is the electron configuration of ruthenium?
The electron configuration of ruthenium is [Kr] 4d⁷ 5s¹.
What group and period is ruthenium in?
Ruthenium is a transition metal in group 8, period 5.
What state is ruthenium at room temperature?
Ruthenium is a solid at room temperature.
What is ruthenium used for?
Ruthenium is used for catalysts, electronics, fountain pen nibs.