Element cache #6 – Platinum Mystery Cache
Hidden : 1/18/2013
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:


This geocache is a part of the Element Learning cache series.  The cache is not at, but is near, the posted coordinates.  You will need to find out a simple fact about the element’s properties to solve the puzzle and find this cache.

Platinum is a beautiful silvery-white metal, when pure, and is malleable and ductile. It has a coefficient of expansion almost equal to that of soda-lime-silica glass, and is therefore used to make sealed electrodes in glass systems. The metal does not oxidize in air. Hydrogen and oxygen gas mixtures explode in the presence of platinum wire.  The metal was used by pre-Columbian Indians but platinum was "rediscovered" in South America by Ulloa in 1735 and by Wood in 1741. In 1822 plenty of platinum was discovered in the Ural Mountains in Russia.  Platinum is used in catalytic converters, laboratory equipment, electrical contacts and electrodes, platinum resistance thermometers, dentistry equipment, and jewelry. Because only a few hundred tons are produced annually, it is a scarce material, and is highly valuable and is a major precious metal commodity. Being a heavy metal, it leads to health issues upon exposure to its salts, but due to its corrosion resistance, it is not as toxic as some metals.[3] Compounds containing platinum, most notably cisplatin, are applied in chemotherapy against certain types of cancer.

This puzzle is solved by finding out the answer to this question.  How many electrons does the Platinum atom have?  Let’s call it P.

The coordinates for the cache are

N35 08.896    93.00.4P

Original Ground Zero was compromised so cache location has been moved slightly. Use HINT! There is safe parking nearby on this little used road. This is a log only cache so bring your pen to sign the log.  Your log entry is our reward for placing this cache! We enjoy reading your comments.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Abegu fvqr bs ebnq, gryrcubar cbyr

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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