Element 76

Osmium (Os)

Osmium is a chemical element with symbol Os and atomic number 76. It is a hard, brittle, bluish-white transition metal in the platinum group that is found as a trace element in alloys, mostly in platinum ores.

Atomic Number

76

Atomic Mass

190.23 u

Category

Transition Metal

Period

6

Group

Group 8: iron group

Phase

solid

Density

22.59 g/cm3

Electron Shells

2, 8, 18, 32, 14, 2

Atomic Structure

Protons: 76. Electrons: 76. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.

Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d⁶

Why Osmium Matters

Osmium helps connect atomic number 76, transition metal behavior, period 6 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 190.23 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d⁶ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.

Discovery and Occurrence

Osmium was discovered 1803 by Smithson Tennant. Osmium is a chemical element with symbol Os and atomic number 76. It is a hard, brittle, bluish-white transition metal in the platinum group that is found as a trace element in alloys, mostly in platinum ores.

Safety and Handling Context

Osmium is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.

Related Elements

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the atomic number of Osmium?
Osmium has atomic number 76, which means a neutral atom has 76 protons and 76 electrons.
What is the chemical symbol for Osmium?
The chemical symbol for Osmium is Os.
What category is Osmium in?
Osmium is classified as a transition metal and sits in period 6 of the periodic table.

Explore Osmium in 3D

Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Osmium to neighboring elements without losing your place.