Platinum vs. Wrought Iron

Attribute	Platinum	Wrought Iron
Chemical Symbol	Pt	Fe
Atomic Number	78	26
Physical State at Room Temperature	Solid	Solid
Color	Silvery-white	Silvery-grey
Melting Point (°C)	1768.3	1538
Boiling Point (°C)	3825	2861
Density (g/cm³)	21.45	7.87

Introduction

Platinum and wrought iron are two metals that have been used for various purposes throughout history. While they may seem vastly different in terms of appearance and value, they both have unique attributes that make them valuable in their own right.

Physical Properties

Platinum is a dense, malleable, and ductile metal that is known for its silver-white luster. It is one of the rarest elements on Earth, making it highly valuable. Wrought iron, on the other hand, is a tough and malleable iron alloy with a fibrous structure. It is known for its distinctive grain pattern and dark grey color.

• Platinum is much denser than wrought iron, with a density of 21.45 g/cm3 compared to wrought iron's density of 7.87 g/cm3.
• Wrought iron is more malleable than platinum, meaning it can be easily shaped and formed into various structures.
• Platinum has a higher melting point than wrought iron, with a melting point of 1,768 degrees Celsius compared to wrought iron's melting point of 1,510 degrees Celsius.

Chemical Properties

Platinum is a noble metal that is resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for use in jewelry and other applications where durability is important. Wrought iron, on the other hand, is prone to rusting due to its high iron content. However, wrought iron can be protected from corrosion through the use of coatings or paint.

• Platinum is highly resistant to acids and bases, making it a popular choice for laboratory equipment and medical devices.
• Wrought iron is susceptible to rust when exposed to moisture and oxygen, but can be protected through galvanization or painting.
• Platinum is a poor conductor of electricity, while wrought iron is a good conductor, making it useful in electrical applications.

Historical Significance

Platinum has been used by various ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and the Incas, for its beauty and durability. It was not widely recognized as a precious metal until the 18th century when European explorers discovered large deposits in South America. Wrought iron, on the other hand, has been used for centuries in the construction of buildings, bridges, and weapons.

• Platinum was used by the ancient Egyptians in jewelry and burial masks, symbolizing wealth and power.
• Wrought iron was commonly used in medieval Europe for the construction of cathedrals and castles due to its strength and durability.
• Platinum became popular in the 19th century for use in fine jewelry, particularly engagement rings and wedding bands.

Modern Applications

Platinum is widely used in the automotive industry for catalytic converters, in the medical field for pacemakers and chemotherapy drugs, and in the electronics industry for hard disk drives and sensors. Wrought iron, on the other hand, is less commonly used in modern applications due to the availability of cheaper and more versatile materials like steel.

• Platinum is used in the production of fuel cells for hydrogen-powered vehicles, as it acts as a catalyst for the conversion of hydrogen into electricity.
• Wrought iron is still used in the construction of decorative gates, fences, and railings for its classic and timeless appearance.
• Platinum is also used in the production of high-end watches and luxury goods due to its rarity and value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, platinum and wrought iron are two metals with unique attributes that make them valuable in different ways. While platinum is prized for its rarity, beauty, and resistance to corrosion, wrought iron is valued for its strength, malleability, and historical significance. Both metals have played important roles throughout history and continue to be used in various industries today.