Rhodium is a platinum-group metal.
Uses and research
One use is in catalysts that help convert gases in vehicle exhaust.
Composition changes a metal material
Metal materials make use of properties such as electrical and thermal conductivity, luster and workability. Different metals do not share these properties to the same degree. Alloys and thin surface films can change behavior too. A product using an element is not necessarily made entirely from that pure element.
What the atomic number tells us
Rhodium has atomic number 45. This is the number of protons in its nucleus. A neutral atom also has 45 electrons. Losing or gaining electrons makes an ion; it does not change the element unless the proton count changes.
The model's rings help count electrons by shell. They are not actual circular paths. A model of one atom and the properties of a whole material are different levels of description.
Temperature and state
25°C: Solid
Illustrative particle motion: sizes, distances and speeds are not to scale. Particles represent atoms or molecules.
← CoolHeat →
Melting point 1,963.85°C / Boiling point 3,694.85°C
Pure element at 1 atmosphere. Image conditions are explained in captions. Pictures do not change with temperature.