T

Tungsten

IUPAC: Tungsten

W Elements CAS 7440-33-7
Quick Reference
Formula / NotationW
CAS Number7440-33-7
Molecular Weight183.84
Melting Point3422.0
Boiling Point5555.0
Density19.25
SolubilityInsoluble in water
AppearanceHard, lustrous, steel-grey to tin-white metal
Also Known AsW, wolfram, tungsten metal
CategoryElements

What is Tungsten?

Tungsten is a hard, grey transition metal, atomic number 74. Has the highest melting point of all metals (3422 C) and the highest tensile strength at temperatures above 1650 C. Used in incandescent light bulb filaments. The symbol W comes from its German name wolfram.

Formula & Notation

W

IUPAC Name: Tungsten

Other Names / Synonyms: W, wolfram, tungsten metal

Properties & Characteristics

Atomic number: 74. Atomic mass: 183.84 g/mol. Period 6, Group 6. Melting point: 3422 C (highest of any metal). Boiling point: 5555 C. Density: 19.25 g/cm3. Electronegativity: 2.36. Oxidation states: +4, +6. Five stable isotopes.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point3422.0
Boiling Point5555.0
Density19.25
Molecular Weight183.84
SolubilityInsoluble in water
AppearanceHard, lustrous, steel-grey to tin-white metal

Uses & Applications

Incandescent light bulb filaments (high melting point). Tungsten carbide (WC) cutting tools, drill bits, mining equipment. TIG welding electrodes. X-ray tube targets and radiation shielding. Ballistic penetrators. High-temperature furnace elements. Catalysts.

Safety Information

Tungsten metal: low acute toxicity. Tungsten dust: respiratory irritant. Tungsten carbide-cobalt (hard metal): causes hard metal lung disease. Tungsten hexafluoride (WF6): highly toxic corrosive gas used in semiconductor manufacturing. Handle powder with respiratory protection.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Tungsten
Formula W
CAS Number 7440-33-7
Molecular Weight 183.84
Category Elements
Synonyms W, wolfram, tungsten metal

Frequently Asked Questions

Tungsten is a hard, grey transition metal, atomic number 74. Has the highest melting point of all metals (3422 C) and the highest tensile strength at temperatures above 1650 C. Used in incandescent light bulb filaments. The symbol W comes from its German name wolfram.

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