45Rh102.91
Rhodium
Transition metalsHard, shiny metals that conduct heat and electricity well and often form coloured compounds.
[Kr] 4d⁸ 5s¹
- Atomic number
- 45
- Atomic mass
- 102.91
- Protons
- 45
- Neutrons
- 58 (most common)
- Electrons
- 45
- Shells
- 2, 8, 18, 16, 1
- State at 25 °C
- Solid
- Position
- Group 9, period 5
Proton (+)Neutron (0)Electron (−)
Discovered byWilliam Hyde Wollaston, 1803William Hyde Wollaston: 2 elements
Wollaston named it from the Greek rhodon, rose, because its salts are rose-coloured.
Did you know?
- It is often one of the most expensive precious metals.
- It reflects light extremely well.
Where it's found
- Platinum ores
What it's used for
- Catalytic converters in cars
- Plating white-gold jewellery
Try it
There's no safe home experiment for Rhodium. Explore it with the animated atom above instead.