Platinum has two valence electrons. The amount of electrons found on the outer shell of an element is known as the valence number. These electrons determine the number of bonds that the element can form.
Platinum is a silvery-white metal used to make jewellery, coat missile nose cones and form aircraft fuel nozzles. Another major use of platinum is in the production of catalytic converters for vehicles. The properties of platinum make it efficient at converting harmful waste pollution into less harmful products. The purified form of the metal is both malleable and ductile. Platinum is also used as a compound in the treatment of some cancers.
