Tungsten
TUNG-sten
Tungsten (W) is a steel-gray coloured metal that has the atomic number 74 in the periodic table. It is a Transition metal in Group 6. It has the symbol W.
Tungsten is named from the Swedish name for the mineral, tungstate which it is found in ‘scheelite’ which means heavy stone. It is a rare metal found in minerals such as wolframite. It was isolated in 1783 by Jose and Fausto Elhuyar who found that they could isolate the metal from the mineral wolframite. The element s very robust and has one of the highest melting points of any element discovered and has a density similar to that of gold and uranium. However due to its crystal structure is brittle. It is used in light bulb filaments and x-ray tubes. It also has a purpose in radioactive shielding. It is a solid metal at room temperature with a melting point of 3422°c and a boiling point of 5930°c.
FAQ's
Fausto and Juan José de Elhuyar
1783
Uses
Made into filaments for vacuum tubes and electric lights. Also as contact points in cars. Combined with calcium or magnesium it makes phosphors. Tungsten carbide is extremely hard and is used for making cutting tools and abrasives.
Sources
Occurs in the minerals scheelite (CaWO4) and wolframite [(Fe,Mn)WO4].
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
W
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