Tungsten, designated by the symbol W and atomic number 74, is an element known for its extreme physical characteristics. This metal boasts the highest melting point of any pure element, reaching \(3,422^{\circ}\text{C}\) (\(6,192^{\circ}\text{F}\)), and maintains exceptional hardness even at high temperatures. The name originates from the Swedish “tung sten,” meaning “heavy stone,” acknowledging its remarkable density. This characteristic density is what makes a small piece of the metal feel surprisingly substantial when held.
Calculating the Weight of a 1-Inch Tungsten Cube
The weight of a pure, solid 1-inch cube of tungsten is determined by calculating its volume and density. A cube with 1-inch sides has a volume of exactly one cubic inch (\(\text{in}^3\)). The density of pure tungsten is approximately \(0.694\) pounds per cubic inch (\(\text{lb/in}^3\)) at room temperature.
Multiplying the volume by the density results in a weight of \(0.694\) pounds for the 1-inch tungsten cube. This weight converts to approximately \(11.1\) ounces. This figure demonstrates how the metal’s atomic structure packs an immense amount of material into a very small space.
The Science Behind Tungsten’s Extreme Density
The high density of tungsten, which is \(19.25\) grams per cubic centimeter, results from two primary factors at the atomic level.
High Atomic Mass
Tungsten atoms possess a nucleus containing 74 protons and an average of 110 neutrons, stemming from its position in the periodic table. This composition makes each individual atom significantly massive.
Compact Crystal Structure
Tungsten adopts a crystal structure known as a body-centered cubic (BCC) lattice. In this structure, atoms are situated at the corners of the cube, with one atom located precisely in the center. This BCC arrangement minimizes the empty space between the atoms, resulting in a tightly compressed structure. The combination of heavy atoms and compact arrangement gives tungsten its remarkable density.
How the Tungsten Cube Compares to Other Materials
Placing the \(0.694\)-pound tungsten cube in context requires comparing it to other common materials of the exact same 1-inch dimension.
A 1-inch cube of aluminum, a light metal, weighs only about \(0.098\) pounds. Standard steel, a common construction material, is roughly three times heavier than aluminum at \(0.283\) pounds for a 1-inch cube. Even lead, which is recognized for its high density, falls significantly short of tungsten, with a 1-inch cube weighing approximately \(0.410\) pounds.
Intriguingly, pure gold has a density of about \(0.697\) pounds per cubic inch, meaning a 1-inch gold cube is practically the same weight as the tungsten cube. This comparison highlights how tungsten achieves an exceptional mass-to-volume ratio without the cost of a precious metal. For a tangible reference, the \(0.694\)-pound weight of the tungsten cube is slightly heavier than a typical \(10.5\)-ounce can of condensed soup.