Page 85 - The Periodic Table Book

CATALYTIC CONVERTER Fountain

Many cars contain engines that are attached to pen nib
catalytic convertors. These important devices
convert toxic exhaust gases into less harmful White gold ring
pollutants. Palladium plays a key role in the process.

2. A chemical reaction occurs
in the palladium mesh, which
reduces harmful pollutants. This palladium
nib is decorated. Transition Metals

Watch spring
Palladium is added to
gold to remove its colour.

1. Polluting gases 3. Gases with less harmful
enter the converter. fumes exit through
the exhaust pipe. This tiny spring,
which keeps time in
a watch, is made of
palladium alloys.

Glucometer test strip

Surgical tools

These tools are made This test strip contains
of palladium alloys, which palladium, which contributes
This flute contains keep them sharp for a long time.
to a reaction that measures
palladium that enables glucose in a drop of blood.
it to resist corrosion.

Orchestral flute

precious, it is used to make commemorative with gold to form an alloy called white gold,
coins in some countries. Palladium is alloyed which is used in jewellery. Some fountain
with steel to make it more resistant to corrosion. pens have nibs decorated with palladium.
These alloys are used to make surgical The element is also used in glucometer
tools and expensive musical instruments, test strips so that patients can check the
such as some flutes. Palladium is often mixed level of glucose in their blood. 83

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