What is Tungsten?

Tungsten, the seventy-fourth element on the periodic table, is a dense, steely-gray transition metal. It's the king of strength and heat resistance.

Atomic Number: 74

Symbol: W

Atomic Mass: 183.84 u

Category: Transition Metal

State at Room Temperature: Solid

Discovered By: Juan José and Fausto Elhuyar (1783)

⚛️ Atomic Structure of Tungsten

Tungsten has seventy-four protons, one hundred ten neutrons (in its most common isotope, Tungsten-184), and seventy-four electrons, with six in its outer shell.

  • 🟢 Protons: 74
  • 🔴 Neutrons: 110 (Most common isotope, Tungsten-184)
  • 🟡 Electrons: 74

💡 Did you know? Tungsten has the highest melting point of all metals!

🔬 Tungsten Properties

Tungsten is hard, dense, and incredibly heat-resistant. It melts at 3422°C (6192°F), boasts high tensile strength, and resists corrosion.

🧪 How Was Tungsten Discovered?

In 1783, Spanish brothers Juan José and Fausto Elhuyar isolated Tungsten from wolframite, naming it from the Swedish "tung sten" (heavy stone).

⚡ Uses of Tungsten

  • 💡 Bulbs: Filaments in lights.
  • 🔧 Tools: Carbide drill bits.
  • 🔬 Alloys: High-temp steel.
  • 🏋️ Weights: Dense counterweights.

💡 Fun Facts About Tungsten

  • 🔥 Hottest metal around.
  • 💪 Strongest at room temp.
  • 💡 Lit up Edison's bulbs.
  • ⚖️ Denser than lead.

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

Tungsten is stable but flammable as powder. It's low-toxicity; handle with gloves, avoid dust inhalation, and store safely.

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