What is iridium?
The correct answer and explanation is :
Iridium is a chemical element with the symbol Ir and atomic number 77. It is a dense, silvery-white metal that is part of the platinum group metals (PGMs), which also include platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, osmium, and rhodium. Iridium is one of the rarest and most corrosion-resistant elements on Earth, often found as a byproduct of nickel and platinum mining.
Key Properties:
- Density: Iridium is one of the densest metals, with a density of 22.56 grams per cubic centimeter.
- Melting Point: It has an exceptionally high melting point of 1,966°C (3,571°F), making it highly heat-resistant.
- Corrosion Resistance: Iridium is highly resistant to corrosion, even in harsh environments such as acids and high temperatures.
- Color: It has a shiny, silvery-white appearance.
Occurrence and Extraction:
Iridium is found in meteorites and is rare in Earth’s crust. It is typically obtained through the extraction of platinum ores, with a small amount found in naturally occurring minerals like osmiridium, a mixture of osmium and iridium. Since iridium is rare, it is often produced as a byproduct of mining for platinum or nickel.
Uses:
- Catalysis: Due to its stability and resistance to high temperatures and corrosion, iridium is used as a catalyst in various chemical processes, including the production of acetic acid and the refining of petroleum.
- Electrical Contacts and Spark Plugs: Iridium’s high melting point makes it ideal for use in spark plugs and electrical contacts, where high-temperature performance is essential.
- Aerospace: Its resistance to heat and corrosion makes it useful in spacecraft components, including in the engines and other vital systems.
- Scientific Instruments: Iridium is used in high-precision equipment, such as thermometers and certain types of medical devices.
- Jewelry: Iridium is also used in alloys for making jewelry due to its strength and resistance to tarnishing.
Importance:
Iridium’s combination of rarity, durability, and heat resistance makes it highly valuable in various industrial and scientific applications. Its primary applications are in industries where materials are subjected to extreme conditions.