Rhodium (Rh): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Rhodium is element 45 on the periodic table, a transition metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DRhodium quick facts
| Atomic number | 45 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Rh |
| Atomic mass | 102.906 |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 9, period 5 |
| Block | d-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d⁸ 5s¹ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 16, 1 |
| Discovered | 1803, Wollaston |
What is rhodium used for?
- Catalytic converters in vehicles
- White gold & silver jewellery plating
- Optical mirror coatings
Interesting facts about rhodium
- Rhodium is often the most expensive precious metal. It peaked near $29,000 per ounce in 2021
- Catalytic converters in cars contain rhodium, platinum and palladium. Worth hundreds of dollars
- Named after the Greek "rhodon" (rose) for its rose-coloured salts
Rhodium was discovered in 1803 by Wollaston in Britain.
Where rhodium sits on the periodic table
Rhodium is in group 9, period 5. Tap any element to open its page.
Other transition metals
Rhodium questions
What is the atomic number of rhodium?
Rhodium has atomic number 45, so every rhodium atom has 45 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Rh and its atomic mass is 102.906.
Is rhodium a metal?
Rhodium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 9, period 5.
What is the electron configuration of rhodium?
The electron configuration of rhodium is [Kr] 4d⁸ 5s¹. Its electrons sit in 5 shells: 2, 8, 18, 16, 1.
What is rhodium used for?
Rhodium is used for catalytic converters in vehicles, white gold & silver jewellery plating and optical mirror coatings.
Who discovered rhodium?
Rhodium was discovered in 1803 by Wollaston in Britain.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.