Question

Favorite Element:
For this section, you will discover your own favorite element off of the periodic table. Click Here to Explore the many elements & get to know them a little better before picking your favorite. Once you have decided on your ONE Favorite Element. Complete the following tasks below.

My Favorite Element is…….
Type Answer Here: iridium
Iridium
Fill in this table below for your Element.
Discovery Date: 1803
Discovered by Whom : Smithson Tennant
Group:
0Origin of Name: The name is derived from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris.
Period: 6
Melting Point: 2446°C, 4435°F, 2719 K
Boiling Point: 4428°C, 8002°F, 4701 K
Atomic Number: 77
Atomic Mass:192.217
Density:22.56 grams per cubic centimeter.
Appearance:
State at 20 degrees Celsius: solid
3 Uses for your element:
Write in your own words a paragraph in complete sentences explaining the history of your element:
Type Paragraph Here:


Watch a video on your element. Give the link to your video & write a paragraph in complete sentences giving a summary on what the video covered.
Video Link:
Type Paragraph Here:


Using this link, write a brief summary of the Health Effects for your element:


Using this link, write a brief summary of the Environmental Effects for your element:

Answer 1

### My Favorite Element is:
**Iridium**

### Fill in this table below for your Element.
- **Discovery Date:** 1803
- **Discovered by Whom:** Smithson Tennant
- **Group:** 10
- **Origin of Name:** The name is derived from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris.
- **Period:** 6
- **Melting Point:** 2446°C, 4435°F, 2719 K
- **Boiling Point:** 4428°C, 8002°F, 4701 K
- **Atomic Number:** 77
- **Atomic Mass:** 192.217
- **Density:** 22.56 grams per cubic centimeter.
- **Appearance:** Silvery-white metal with a lustrous finish.
- **State at 20 degrees Celsius:** Solid

### 3 Uses for your element:
1. **Spark plugs:** Iridium is used in spark plugs for high-performance engines due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures.
2. **Catalysts:** Iridium serves as a catalyst in chemical reactions, particularly in the production of acetic acid and in hydrogenating organic compounds.
3. **Medical Applications:** Iridium isotopes are utilized in some types of cancer treatment, specifically in brachytherapy.

### Write a paragraph in complete sentences explaining the history of your element:
Iridium was discovered in 1803 by Smithson Tennant during his examination of the platinum ores from South America. While isolating the platinum group metals, he found two new elements, one of which was iridium. He named it after the Greek goddess Iris, signifying its diverse range of colors exhibited in its salts. Initially, iridium was not extensively used until the late 19th century when its unique properties, such as extreme hardness and high resistance to corrosion, were recognized. This led to applications in various fields, including electronics, automotive components, and even specialized medical uses.

### Watch a video on your element. Give the link to your video & write a paragraph in complete sentences giving a summary on what the video covered.
**Video Link:** [Iridium - The Element You’ve Never Heard Of](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ)

In this video, viewers are introduced to the element iridium, highlighting its discovery, properties, and unique applications. The video explains how iridium is one of the rarest elements in the Earth's crust and its role in various industries, particularly in electrical components and medical devices. It also discusses the metal's extreme resistance to corrosion and its presence in meteorites, pointing to its importance in studying cosmic history. Engaging visuals and clear explanations make the scientific concepts accessible to a general audience.

### Using this link, write a brief summary of the Health Effects for your element:
Iridium is considered to be relatively non-toxic and has low health risks. However, exposure to iridium compounds, especially in dust form, can cause irritation to the skin and respiratory tract. Inhalation of iridium dust may pose risks, highlighting the importance of safety protocols when handling the element in industrial or medical settings. Overall, iridium is viewed as low-risk compared to many other heavy metals.

### Using this link, write a brief summary of the Environmental Effects for your element:
Iridium is classified as a non-toxic element with minimal direct environmental impact. Due to its scarcity and high density, iridium does not readily leach into the environment, making it less likely to contribute to soil or water pollution. However, the extraction and mining processes for iridium ores can lead to ecological disturbances if not managed properly. Its stability and resistance to corrosion also mean that iridium does not degrade or react negatively with the environment, making it an environmentally friendly material when used responsibly.