Tungsten (W)
Tungsten (W) is element 74, a transition metal. Atomic mass 183.84, configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁴ 6s². Properties, isotopes, oxidation states, uses and history, with an interactive 3D atom model.
Key facts
| Atomic number | 74 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | W |
| Standard atomic weight | 183.84(1) |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group | 6 |
| Period | 6 |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁴ 6s² |
| Valence electrons | 2 (Variable) |
| Common oxidation states | +4, +6 |
| Common ions | No common ions |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.7 |
| First ionization energy | 770 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 78.76 kJ/mol |
| Atomic radius | 135 pm |
| Density | 19.3 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 3414°C |
| Boiling point | 5555°C |
| Specific heat | 0.132 J/(g·°C) |
Natural isotopes
- W-180: Radioactive (0.12%, α-decay, t½ ~1.8×10¹⁸ y)
- W-182: Stable (26.50%)
- W-183: Stable (14.31%)
- W-184: Stable (30.64%)
- W-186: Radioactive (28.43%, t½ ~4.1×10¹⁸ y, α)
Common uses
- Light bulb filaments
- TIG welding
- Armor-piercing ammunition
Where it matters
- Lighting (Incandescent filaments)
- Military (Kinetic bombardment)
Hazards
- Dust irritates lungs
- largely non-toxic
History
| Discovered | 1783 |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | Juan José & Fausto Elhuyar |
| Name | Swedish tung sten (heavy stone); Symbol W from Wolfram |