Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Iridium exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the transition metal family, governed by an electronegativity of 2.2 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 77Transition Metal
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabIridium
Ir
Standard Atomic Mass: 192.22 u
Period 6Group 9D-Block
Chemical Specimen/Ir
Concentric Electron Shells6 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 32e⁻→
n=5: 15e⁻→
n=6: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Transition Metal
3D Atom SimulatorIridium (Ir) Scientific Profile
Iridium (Ir) is an element with atomic number 77, classified as a transition metal. Positioned in Period 6, Group 9, and D-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Xe]4f¹⁴5d⁷6s²) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Iridium
3D Orbitals & Valence Lab
Simulate concentric quantum energy levels, observe valence electron spins, and examine live atomic clouds in full 3D.
Electronic Configuration Lab
Experiment with Aufbau subshell ordering, explore orbital occupancy, and analyze quantum configuration exceptions.
Electron Config
[Xe]4f¹⁴5d⁷6s²
Electronegativity
2.2 Pauling
Year Discovered
1803
Orbital Shells
6 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
d-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 9 • P: 6
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Iridium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Iridium 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 Iridium are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Iridium is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Iridium
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Iridium?
Iridium (Ir) has an atomic number of 77 and a standard atomic mass of 192.22 u. It is positioned in Period 6, Group 9, in the D-block, and is classified within the Transition Metal category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Iridium?
The ground-state electron configuration of Iridium is [Xe]4f¹⁴5d⁷6s². Its 77 electrons are distributed across 6 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 32, 15, 2).
Q
Why does Iridium exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Iridium 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 Iridium?
Iridium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.