Back
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

osmium

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Osmium is a chemical element with the symbol Os and atomic number 76. It is a member of the platinum group of metals. Osmium is the densest naturally occurring element, with a density of 22.65 grams per cubic centimetre. It is also the most brittle of the platinum group metals.

Osmium is a silvery-white metal with a high melting point (3000 degrees Celsius) and boiling point (5027 degrees Celsius). It is a very hard metal, and it is difficult to work with. Osmium is also very chemically inert, and it does not react with most acids or bases.

Osmium is found in very small amounts in the Earth's crust. It is mostly found in association with other platinum group metals. Osmium is extracted from ores by a process called hydrometallurgy.

Osmium has a variety of uses, including:

  • Making alloys, such as osmium-iridium, which is used in pen nibs and electrical contacts.
  • Making catalysts, which are used in chemical reactions.
  • Making jewellery, due to its high density and attractive appearance.

In the electronics industry, osmium is used to make electrical contacts and to coat other metals to improve their hardness and wear resistance.

Osmium is a very valuable metal, and it is used in a variety of high-tech applications. However, it is also a very toxic metal, and it can be harmful to human health.

How can the word be used?

Osmium is a member of the platinum group metals.

osmium

Different forms of the word

Noun: A chemical element with the symbol Os and atomic number 76. It is the densest naturally occurring element.

Adjective: Relating to osmium.

Etymology

The word "osmium" comes from the Greek word "osmé" (smell), which refers to the pungent smell of its oxide.

The word "osmium" was first used in English in 1804 by the English chemist Smithson Tennant.

Question

What is osmium used for?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the significance of osmium in science and technology, highlighting its unique properties. Provide an example of its practical application and its importance in a specific field.

Answer:

Osmium holds remarkable importance in the fields of science and technology due to its distinctive properties. It is one of the densest elements and possesses a high melting point, making it highly resistant to heat and corrosion. These properties render osmium valuable in various applications.

For instance, osmium is used as an alloying agent to produce durable materials. When combined with other metals, such as platinum, it forms osmiridium, a substance widely used in the production of fountain pen tips and electrical contacts due to its exceptional resistance to wear and corrosion. Osmium compounds are also used in the manufacturing of specialised microscope components.

Moreover, osmium tetroxide, a compound of osmium, is utilised in microscopy for tissue staining and electron microscopy due to its ability to bind to biological tissues and enhance visibility under electron beams.

In the field of materials science, osmium's unique properties contribute to the production of high-performance components, particularly in environments where extreme conditions are present. Its applications extend to various sectors, including electronics, aerospace, and medical devices.