Page 14 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

Ruthenium (Ru)
Element 44.This silvery-grey metal, which is easily mistaken for platinum, is one of the precious metals. It is chemically unreactive, it does not tarnish, and is not attacked by acids.
Discovery
It was discovered in 1844 by the Russian chemist Karl Karlovich Klaus. It was the part of a platinum ore that did not dissolve in acids.
Technology
Its very high temperature makes it difficult to cast. Because it is brittle, it is difficult to roll or draw into a wire.
It makes platinum and palladium alloys harder. Such alloys are in electrical contacts that are subject to much wear and tear.A small amount of ruthenium makes titanium a hundred times more corrosion resistant. In dentistry it makes porcelain–metal restorations. It also goes into fountain pen nibs and instrument pivots. Ruthenium is also a catalyst that makes chemical reactions go faster.
Geology
Ruthenium does not occur as a native metal. It is usually found in deposits of non-ferrous metals and it is obtained as a by-product from copper and nickel refining.
Biology
Ruthenium is not found in living things. It is not thought to be harmful.
Key facts...
Name: ruthenium
Symbol: Ru
Atomic number: 44
Atomic weight: 101.07
Position in Periodic Table: transition metal,
group (8) (iron group); period 5. Precious
metal
State at room temperature: solid
Colour: silvery-grey
Density of solid: 12.3 g/cc
Melting point: 2,310°C
Boiling point: 3,900°C
Origin of name: from the Latin name Ruthenia
for part of Ukraine
Shell pattern of electrons: 2–8–18–15–1
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