Z = 76Transition Metal
Os
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Osmium

Os

Standard Atomic Mass: 190.23 u
Period 6Group 8D-Block
Chemical Specimen/Os
Osmium specimen
Concentric Electron Shells6 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 32e⁻→
n=5: 14e⁻→
n=6: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Transition Metal
3D Atom Simulator

Osmium (Os) Scientific Profile

Osmium (Os) is an element with atomic number 76, classified as a transition metal. Positioned in Period 6, Group 8, and D-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Xe]4f¹⁴5d⁶6s²) and periodic trends.

Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Osmium

3D Orbitals & Valence Lab

Simulate concentric quantum energy levels, observe valence electron spins, and examine live atomic clouds in full 3D.

Launch 3D Atom Lab

Electronic Configuration Lab

Experiment with Aufbau subshell ordering, explore orbital occupancy, and analyze quantum configuration exceptions.

Launch Config Lab
Electron Config
[Xe]4f¹⁴5d⁶6s²
Electronegativity
2.2 Pauling
Year Discovered
1803
Orbital Shells
6 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
d-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 8 • P: 6
Reactivity & Chemical Bonding

Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States

Osmium exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the transition metal family, governed by an electronegativity of 2.2 and standard valence interactions.

Technological Utility

Industrial & Energy Applications

Osmium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.

Biological Role

Biomedical Profile & Toxicity

Osmium does not play a prominent biological role in human biochemistry, existing primarily as a trace element or mineral component in natural ecosystems.

Geochemistry & Abundance

Cosmic & Terrestrial Occurrence

Elements like Osmium are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Osmium is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.

Frequently Asked Questions about Osmium

Q

What are the key physical and atomic properties of Osmium?

Osmium (Os) has an atomic number of 76 and a standard atomic mass of 190.23 u. It is positioned in Period 6, Group 8, in the D-block, and is classified within the Transition Metal category.

Q

What is the electron configuration of Osmium?

The ground-state electron configuration of Osmium is [Xe]4f¹⁴5d⁶6s². Its 76 electrons are distributed across 6 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 32, 14, 2).

Q

Why does Osmium exhibit an electron configuration exception?

Osmium follows standard Aufbau principle orbital filling. Transition metals and heavy elements optimize their shell filling based on subshell exchange energy and electrostatic stability.

Q

What are the primary commercial and laboratory uses of Osmium?

Osmium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.