76
Room of the Elements · No. 76
Osmium (Os): what kind of element is it?
日本語
In short
Osmium is element number 76, a metal with the symbol Os. Its name comes from osme, the Greek word for “smell.”
Atomic number 76190.2
OsOsmiumオスミウム (osumiumu)- Symbol
- Os
- Atomic weight
- 190.2
- Place in the table
- Period 6 · Group 8
Atomic weight from the Chemical Society of Japan, “Table of Standard Atomic Weights with Four Significant Figures (2026)”.
The smelly element
Osmium’s oxide has a smell, which gave it its name. It was discovered in 1803, the same year as rhodium, palladium and iridium.
Where it sits on the table
Osmium is in the sixth row of Group 8, with ruthenium above and iron above that. Next door, in Group 9, is iridium, found the same year.
Think about it
- Q1What other element is named for a smell?
- Q2Why do you think four elements were found in the same year?
- Q3Iron, ruthenium and osmium share a column. Do you think they are alike?
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — Two elements are named for smell: bromine (stench) and osmium (smell).