Ruthenium (Ru): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Ruthenium is element 44 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 3DRuthenium quick facts
| Atomic number | 44 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ru |
| Atomic mass | 101.07 |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 8, period 5 |
| Block | d-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d⁷ 5s¹ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 15, 1 |
| Discovered | 1844, Claus |
What is ruthenium used for?
- Platinum alloy hardener for electrical contacts
- Dye-sensitised solar cells
- Catalytic applications
Interesting facts about ruthenium
- Named after Ruthenia, the Latin name for Russia
- Ruthenium is one of the rarest elements on Earth. Rarer than platinum
- Ruthenium-based compounds show promise as anticancer drugs
Ruthenium was discovered in 1844 by Claus in Russia.
Where ruthenium sits on the periodic table
Ruthenium is in group 8, period 5. Tap any element to open its page.
Other transition metals
Ruthenium questions
What is the atomic number of ruthenium?
Ruthenium has atomic number 44, so every ruthenium atom has 44 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Ru and its atomic mass is 101.07.
Is ruthenium a metal?
Ruthenium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 8, period 5.
What is the electron configuration of ruthenium?
The electron configuration of ruthenium is [Kr] 4d⁷ 5s¹. Its electrons sit in 5 shells: 2, 8, 18, 15, 1.
What is ruthenium used for?
Ruthenium is used for platinum alloy hardener for electrical contacts, dye-sensitised solar cells and catalytic applications.
Who discovered ruthenium?
Ruthenium was discovered in 1844 by Claus in Russia.
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