Tungsten (W), element 74, is known for its extreme durability. Its name comes from the Swedish phrase tung sten, meaning “heavy stone,” a fitting description for its physical nature. Tungsten is definitively classified as a metal, not a nonmetal or a metalloid. This classification is supported by its position on the periodic table and its unique properties.
Tungsten’s Classification: A Transition Metal
The periodic table organizes elements based on their characteristics, with a “staircase” line separating metals from nonmetals. Tungsten is located far left of this line, in the d-block. Specifically, it belongs to Group 6 and Period 6, classifying it as a transition metal.
Transition metals are defined by their ability to form stable compounds in multiple oxidation states and by their general metallic properties. Tungsten shares its group with chromium and molybdenum. Its placement indicates it possesses characteristic metallic traits, such as high density and conductivity. Tungsten is also described as a “refractory metal,” highlighting its ability to resist heat and wear.
Defining Properties That Confirm Tungsten is a Metal
Tungsten’s metallic classification is confirmed by its physical characteristics. It holds the distinction of having the highest melting point of all known elements, reaching approximately 3,422 degrees Celsius (6,192 degrees Fahrenheit). This requires immense energy to change its state, demonstrating the strong metallic bonding between its atoms.
The element also exhibits a high density, measuring around 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter. This density is comparable to gold and nearly twice that of lead, a common characteristic among heavy transition metals. Tungsten is an excellent conductor of both heat and electricity, a hallmark of metallic substances.
It also possesses high tensile strength at elevated temperatures, allowing it to maintain structural integrity when hot. Furthermore, tungsten has the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion of any pure metal.
Essential Uses Stemming from its Metallic Nature
Tungsten’s metallic properties make it indispensable in high-performance applications. Its high melting point and strength make it the material of choice for filaments in older incandescent light bulbs, where it withstands continuous heating above 2,000 degrees Celsius. It is also used to create electrodes for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), handling the intense heat of an electric arc.
The hardness and wear resistance of tungsten, especially when combined with carbon to form tungsten carbide, drives its use in industrial cutting tools. This composite is used for machining hardened steel and creating drill bits for mining. Its high density is leveraged in applications requiring concentrated mass, such as counterweights for aircraft and radiation shielding.