Tungsten (W)
Transition metal · d-block · period 6 · group 6
Hard, brittle, greyish-white metal with a steel-grey lustre when pure.
Tungsten (symbol W) is chemical element number 74, a transition metal in group 6, period 6 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 183.84 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f14 5d4 6s2. At room temperature it is a solid. The highest melting point of any metal — 3,422 °C.
Properties
| Atomic number | 74 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 183.84 |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Block | d-block |
| Group · Period | 6 · 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f14 5d4 6s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 12, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 3695 K |
| Boiling point | 5828 K |
| Density | 19.25 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.36 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1783 · Juan José & Fausto Elhuyar |
Key facts about Tungsten
- The highest melting point of any metal — 3,422 °C.
- Its symbol W is from 'wolfram'; the name 'tungsten' is Swedish for 'heavy stone'.
- The glowing filament in old light bulbs is a coiled tungsten wire.
- Tungsten carbide is nearly as hard as diamond and tips most drills and saw blades.
What Tungsten is used for
Light-bulb and vacuum-tube filaments, cutting and drilling tools (carbide), radiation shielding, heavy alloys, welding electrodes.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Tungsten is in group 6, period 6, of the d-block. Its electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d4 6s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Tungsten on the interactive table →
Tungsten — frequently asked questions
What is Tungsten used for?
Light-bulb and vacuum-tube filaments, cutting and drilling tools (carbide), radiation shielding, heavy alloys, welding electrodes.
Is Tungsten radioactive?
No. Tungsten has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Tungsten?
Tungsten has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d4 6s2, which is 2, 8, 18, 32, 12, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Tungsten in?
Tungsten is in group 6, period 6, in the d-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Tungsten?
Tungsten was discovered in 1783 by Juan José & Fausto Elhuyar.