Molybdenum (Mo)
Molybdenum (Mo, element 42) is a transition metal in group 6, period 5. Atomic mass 95.95, electron configuration [Kr] 4d⁵ 5s¹, uses and facts.
About Molybdenum
Molybdenum is a transition metal with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 6, period 5 of the periodic table. Molybdenum was discovered in 1778 by Carl Wilhelm Scheele.
Molybdenum key facts
- Atomic number: 42
- Symbol: Mo
- Atomic mass: 95.95 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 6
- Period: 5
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Kr] 4d⁵ 5s¹
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 2.16
- Melting point: 2896 K (2622.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 4912 K (4638.85 °C)
- Density: 10.28 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −4, −2, −1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of molybdenum is [Kr] 4d⁵ 5s¹. The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of molybdenum
- Steel alloys
- Catalysts
- Fertilizers
Did you know?
Molybdenum has the 6th highest melting point of all elements. Essential for nitrogen fixation by bacteria.
Other elements in group 6 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of molybdenum?
The atomic number of molybdenum is 42, which means every molybdenum atom has 42 protons.
What is the electron configuration of molybdenum?
The electron configuration of molybdenum is [Kr] 4d⁵ 5s¹.
What group and period is molybdenum in?
Molybdenum is a transition metal in group 6, period 5.
What state is molybdenum at room temperature?
Molybdenum is a solid at room temperature.
What is molybdenum used for?
Molybdenum is used for steel alloys, catalysts, fertilizers.