Tungsten (W)
Tungsten (W, element 74) is a transition metal in group 6, period 6. Atomic mass 183.84, electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁴ 6s², uses and facts.
About Tungsten
Tungsten is a transition metal with the symbol W and atomic number 74. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 6, period 6 of the periodic table. Tungsten was discovered in 1783 by Juan José and Fausto Elhuyar.
Tungsten key facts
- Atomic number: 74
- Symbol: W
- Atomic mass: 183.84 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 6
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁴ 6s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 2.36
- Melting point: 3695 K (3421.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 6203 K (5929.85 °C)
- Density: 19.25 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −4, −2, −1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of tungsten is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁴ 6s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of tungsten
- Light bulb filaments
- Cutting tools
- Armor-piercing rounds
Did you know?
Highest melting point of any metal (3,422°C). Light bulb filaments are tungsten.
Other elements in group 6 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of tungsten?
The atomic number of tungsten is 74, which means every tungsten atom has 74 protons.
What is the electron configuration of tungsten?
The electron configuration of tungsten is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁴ 6s².
What group and period is tungsten in?
Tungsten is a transition metal in group 6, period 6.
What state is tungsten at room temperature?
Tungsten is a solid at room temperature.
What is tungsten used for?
Tungsten is used for light bulb filaments, cutting tools, armor-piercing rounds.