W on the periodic table

Introduction :
Let us discuss about the symbol ‘W’ on periodic table. Though Peter Woulfe examined the mineral wolframite and concluded the presence of a new substance, it was Juan Jose and Fausto d'Elhuyar from Spain who purified tungsten in 1783. In Swedish tungsten refers to “heavy stone”. Let us explore more on ‘W’ on periodic table.

Fig:- tungsten

Some Properties of 'W' on periodic table:

Tungsten, which is also called Wolfram and denoted by W on periodic table, has an atomic weight of 183.85 with an atomic number of 74 making it a transition metal on the periodic table. This gives it an electronic configuration of [Xe] 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d⁴ .
Cutting of a pure tungsten can be done with a saw, spun, drawn, forged, and extruded though impure tungsten is very brittle. Tungsten is a lustrous metal grayish-white in color. Tungsten is known to have the highest melting point compared to all other metals and the lowest vapor pressure of the metals. Because of this property, traditional processes such as smelting cannot refine tungsten. It has very high tensile strength at temperatures exceeding 1650°C. Oxidation of tungsten takes place at increased temperatures. It has very low effect on itself when reacted with acids, as it is highly corrosion- resistant. Very few metallic acids have the strength to attack tungsten.
Physical properties

• Density(g/cc) – 19.3
• Melting Point (K): 3680
• Boiling Point (K): 5930
• Appearance: tough gray to white metal
• Atomic Radius (pm): 141
• Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 9.53
• Tensile strength 50000 – 75000 @1000 degree Celsius, psi
• Reflectivity is 62%

Uses of Tungsten:

Filaments of electrical lamps and picture tubes of television are made from tungsten. It is used in multiple high temperature applications like metal evaporation materials, target for X-rays etc. Some compounds of tungsten are also used in fluorescent lighting such as magnesium tungstenates. Some of the tungsten compounds are also used in mixture of paints. Some lubricants used at high temperatures are also made of tungsten compounds.

Conclusion for tungsten that is 'W' on periodic table:

Therefore, from the above discussion, we can conclude that tungsten is one of strategic and indispensible metals and it is represented by the symbol ‘W’ on periodic table.