Tungsten, a chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74, was discovered by the Elhuyar brothers, Juan José and Fausto Elhuyar, in 1783. They isolated tungsten as a metal from tungsten trioxide, which is derived from tungsten ores. (https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/74/tungsten)
Key Facts
- Tungsten is a chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74.
- It is a rare metal found naturally on Earth, primarily in compounds with other elements.
- Tungsten has the highest melting point of all known elements, at 3,422 °C (6,192 °F; 3,695 K).
- Its density is 19.30 grams per cubic centimeter, comparable to that of uranium and gold.
- Tungsten is used in various applications, including incandescent light bulb filaments, X-ray tubes, electrodes in gas tungsten arc welding, superalloys, and radiation shielding.
- The Elhuyar brothers discovered tungsten by isolating it as a metal from tungsten trioxide, which is derived from tungsten ores.
- Tungsten occurs in nature primarily as wolframite and scheelite.
- Tungsten alloys are used in low-temperature superconducting circuits.
- Tungsten interferes with molybdenum and copper metabolism and is somewhat toxic to most forms of animal life.
Occurrence and Properties
Tungsten is a rare metal found naturally on Earth, primarily in compounds with other elements. It occurs naturally in two major crystalline forms: α and β. The α phase is more stable and has a body-centered cubic structure, while the β phase is metastable and has a columnar habit. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tungsten)
Tungsten has the highest melting point of all known elements, at 3,422 °C (6,192 °F; 3,695 K). Its density is 19.30 grams per cubic centimeter, comparable to that of uranium and gold. (https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/74/tungsten)
Applications
Tungsten is used in various applications due to its unique properties. Its high melting point and low thermal expansion make it suitable for use in incandescent light bulb filaments, X-ray tubes, and electrodes in gas tungsten arc welding. (https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/74/tungsten)
Tungsten alloys are used in low-temperature superconducting circuits, and superalloys are used in aerospace and high-temperature applications. Tungsten’s high density makes it useful for radiation shielding and as ballast in aircraft and race cars. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tungsten)
Biological Role
Tungsten is somewhat toxic to most forms of animal life and interferes with molybdenum and copper metabolism. However, some bacteria and archaea use tungsten in enzymes that catalyze the reduction of carboxylic acids to aldehydes. (https://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele074.html)
Sources
Tungsten occurs in nature primarily as wolframite and scheelite. Wolframite is an iron-manganese tungstate, while scheelite is a calcium tungstate. Tungsten is extracted from these ores by various methods, including roasting, leaching, and electrolysis. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tungsten)
Conclusion
Tungsten is a versatile and valuable metal with a wide range of applications. Its unique properties, including its high melting point, low thermal expansion, and high density, make it suitable for use in various industries, including electronics, aerospace, and energy.
FAQs
What is tungsten?
Tungsten is a chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74. It is a rare metal found naturally on Earth, primarily in compounds with other elements.
Who discovered tungsten?
Tungsten was discovered by the Elhuyar brothers, Juan José and Fausto Elhuyar, in 1783.
What are the properties of tungsten?
Tungsten has the highest melting point of all known elements, at 3,422 °C (6,192 °F; 3,695 K). Its density is 19.30 grams per cubic centimeter, comparable to that of uranium and gold. Tungsten is also very hard and has a high tensile strength.
What are the applications of tungsten?
Tungsten is used in various applications, including incandescent light bulb filaments, X-ray tubes, electrodes in gas tungsten arc welding, superalloys, and radiation shielding.
Where is tungsten found?
Tungsten occurs naturally in two major crystalline forms: α and β. The α phase is more stable and has a body-centered cubic structure, while the β phase is metastable and has a columnar habit.
How is tungsten extracted?
Tungsten is extracted from its ores, wolframite and scheelite, by various methods, including roasting, leaching, and electrolysis.
Is tungsten toxic?
Tungsten is somewhat toxic to most forms of animal life and interferes with molybdenum and copper metabolism.
What is the atomic number of tungsten?
The atomic number of tungsten is 74.