Historical
Facts and Elements Uses:
Rhodium was discovered in England. Rhodium
is a precious metal and will not tarnish. It melts at a higher temperatures
than Platinum and is less dense. It is also very hard and resists
wear. Rhodium is insoluble in normal acids. Rhodium is found
in
Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Russia, and Sri Lanka.
The Latin name for Rhodium is Rhodon (rose) because it's salt gives a rosy
solution. Rhodium is a rare, silver white, metallic element that
serves mainly as a catalyst, a substance which increases the speed of a
chemical reaction. Rhodium is a catalyst in the production of nitric
acid and various organic compounds and medicinal drugs. It is also used
in catalytic converters, which reduce pollutants in automobile exhausts.
Rhodium alloys (metal mixtures) are used in aircraft turbine engines, electric
connections, and reflective surfaces of mirrors and searchlights.
Rhodium is the rarest of all metals on Earth. World production is
only three tons a year, mainly for catalysts in the chemicals industry. |
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