Palladium and Tarnishing

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Questions and Answers

Why does pure palladium resist tarnishing under normal conditions?

  • It actively repels oxygen molecules in the air.
  • It does not readily react with oxygen at standard temperatures. (correct)
  • It dissolves any substances that could cause tarnishing.
  • It forms a protective layer of iron oxide that prevents corrosion.

What is the key difference between tarnish and patina when discussing palladium?

  • Tarnish only appears on palladium-plated items, while patina appears on pure palladium.
  • Tarnish is considered desirable and enhances the appearance of palladium, while patina is always unwanted.
  • Tarnish is a result of chemical reactions with harsh chemicals, while patina develops from normal wear and scratches. (correct)
  • There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable.

Which of the following scenarios could potentially affect the appearance of palladium jewelry, even though palladium itself resists tarnishing?

  • A large house fire reaching high temperatures. (correct)
  • Exposing the jewelry to household vinegar.
  • Exposing the jewelry to moist air.
  • Wearing the jewelry while swimming in a chlorinated pool.

Why is it not recommended to use toothpaste or baking soda to clean palladium jewelry, despite palladium's resistance to tarnishing?

<p>They are abrasive and can scratch the surface of the jewelry. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If palladium-plated brass jewelry tarnishes, what is the most likely cause?

<p>The underlying brass is exposed and reacting with the environment. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when palladium is exposed to hydrogen peroxide?

<p>It forms a layer of palladium oxide that requires professional cleaning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best summarizes the behavior of pure palladium when exposed to various substances?

<p>Palladium is generally resistant to tarnishing, but can be affected by extreme conditions or abrasive cleaners. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why doesn't pure palladium tarnish when exposed to lemon juice?

<p>Lemon juice is only weakly acidic and cannot cause palladium to tarnish. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why palladium-plated brass can tarnish even though palladium itself is tarnish-resistant?

<p>Any damage to the palladium coating exposes the brass to environmental elements, leading to tarnishing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Is it safe to wear palladium jewelry in chlorinated pools, and why?

<p>Yes, because palladium is highly resistant to chlorine. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Palladium Patina

A surface layer that develops over time due to scratches and wear, giving the metal a matte finish, distinct from tarnish.

Does palladium tarnish in water?

No, palladium doesn't react with water, saltwater, or chlorinated water.

Does palladium tarnish in vinegar?

No, it is too weakly acidic to cause a reaction.

Does palladium tarnish in hydrogen peroxide?

No, but it can oxidize the surface, creating a difficult-to-remove palladium oxide layer.

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Does palladium tarnish in nitric acid?

No, it will dissolve and corrode palladium, but not tarnish it.

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Does palladium tarnish in lemon juice?

No, it is too weakly acidic to cause a reaction.

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Does pure palladium tarnish in moist air?

No, it is resistant to tarnishing in moist air because it doesn’t react with oxygen at standard temperatures.

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Does pure palladium tarnish in chlorine?

No, palladium is highly resistant to chlorine.

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Does palladium tarnish in bleach?

No, but bleach can discolor, damage, and corrode palladium jewelry.

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Does palladium rust or tarnish?

No, it neither rusts nor tarnishes, but can corrode when exposed to harsh chemicals.

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Study Notes

Palladium and Tarnishing

  • Palladium does not tarnish at normal temperatures because it doesn't react with oxygen

Palladium Tarnish Explained

  • What might appear to be palladium tarnish is actually a patina
  • The patina develops over time due to scratches and general wear
  • Patina gives palladium a matte finish

Water Exposure

  • Palladium does not tarnish when exposed to water, including salt water and chlorinated water
  • Palladium-made jewelry and IRA-approved palladium bullion can be safely cleaned with water

Vinegar Exposure

  • Palladium will not tarnish when exposed to vinegar, due to vinegar being a weak acid

Hydrogen Peroxide Exposure

  • Palladium does not tarnish when exposed to hydrogen peroxide
  • Surface oxidation still occurs, which will form a thin layer of palladium oxide (PdO)
  • Professional cleaning will be required

Nitric Acid Exposure

  • Palladium does not tarnish when exposed to nitric acid
  • Concentrated nitric acid can dissolve and corrode palladium items, but it can’t tarnish them
  • This is because pure palladium as a noble metal doesn’t tarnish under any circumstance

Lemon Juice Exposure

  • Palladium does not tarnish when exposed to lemon juice
  • Lemon juice is weakly acidic, and can be used to clean palladium jewelry

Exposure to Moist Air

  • Pure palladium doesn't tarnish when exposed to moist air
  • It does not react with oxygen at standard temperatures
  • If heated above 800°C, a layer of palladium(II) oxide (PdO) can form

Chlorine Exposure

  • Pure palladium does not tarnish in chlorine
  • Palladium can be safely worn in chlorinated pools

Bleach Exposure

  • Palladium does not tarnish when exposed to bleach
  • It is still not advised, as bleach can discolor, damage, and corrode palladium jewelry

Toothpaste Exposure

  • Palladium does not tarnish when exposed to toothpaste
  • Toothpaste can scratch palladium due to its abrasive nature

Baking Soda Exposure

  • Palladium does not tarnish when exposed to baking soda, as it is naturally resistant to oxidation and corrosion
  • Baking soda is abrasive and should not be used to clean palladium jewelry

Flame Exposure

  • Palladium does not tarnish when exposed to flame or fire
  • Palladium discolors at high temperatures (above 400°C/752°F) and melts at 1554.9 °C (2831 °F)

Alcohol Exposure

  • Palladium does not tarnish when exposed to alcohol
  • Isopropyl alcohol can be used to clean palladium jewelry

Makeup Exposure

  • Palladium does not tarnish when exposed to makeup
  • It is a very durable precious metal

Palladium-Plated Brass

  • Palladium-plated brass tarnishes when the palladium coating is damaged
  • Tarnishing happens when the exposed brass reacts with oxygen, moisture, and skin oils

Rust or Tarnish

  • Palladium neither rusts nor tarnishes
  • Only iron can oxidize and rust, palladium and other precious metals can't

Palladium 999

  • Palladium 999 does not tarnish, as it is the purest form of this precious metal
  • Palladium 950 and palladium 500 are also tarnish-resistant

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