When an atom is electrically neutral, the number of electrons equals the number of protons, which is known as the Atomic Number. The unique element characterized by an Atomic Number of 74, and therefore possessing 74 electrons, is Tungsten (W). This heavy transition metal is renowned for its extraordinary properties, making it indispensable for numerous high-performance technological applications.
Identifying the Element
Tungsten is formally designated by the chemical symbol W and has an Atomic Number (Z) of 74. The symbol W derives from its historical German name, Wolfram. The name Tungsten comes from the Swedish words tung sten, meaning “heavy stone,” which describes this dense material. Tungsten is situated in Group 6 and Period 6 of the Periodic Table, classifying it as a heavy transition metal within the d-block.
Extreme Physical Characteristics
Tungsten is known for its exceptional physical robustness. It possesses the highest melting point of any pure metal, resisting liquefaction until it reaches 3,422 °C. This thermal stability results from the strong metallic bonds between its atoms. Tungsten also exhibits the highest tensile strength among all metals at temperatures exceeding 1,650 °C, allowing it to remain structurally sound in high-heat environments.
Tungsten is remarkably dense, measuring approximately 19.25 grams per cubic centimeter. This value is comparable to precious metals like gold, making it about 1.7 times denser than lead. The combination of high density and strength makes Tungsten suitable for applications demanding resistance to intense mechanical wear and thermal stress. It also has the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion of any pure metal, meaning it resists changes in volume when subjected to temperature fluctuations.
Atomic Structure and Electron Arrangement
The 74 electrons in a neutral Tungsten atom define its electronic configuration. These electrons are distributed across six energy levels, or shells, following a pattern of 2, 8, 18, 32, 12, and 2 electrons. The outermost electrons, which dictate the element’s chemical behavior, are found in the \(5d\) and \(6s\) subshells. This arrangement, represented by the configuration [Xe] \(4f^{14} 5d^4 6s^2\), classifies Tungsten as a transition metal.
The partial filling of the \(d\) subshell enables Tungsten to exhibit multiple oxidation states, most commonly \(+4\) and \(+6\), allowing it to form a wide variety of stable compounds. The electron arrangement is influenced by relativistic effects, where the speed of inner-shell electrons approaches the speed of light. These effects stabilize the \(s\) orbitals and contribute to the electronic structure.
Essential Applications and Uses
Tungsten’s unique properties lead to many industrial and consumer applications. Historically, its high melting point made it the ideal material for filaments in incandescent light bulbs. Today, the most widespread application is Tungsten Carbide, a ceramic compound nearly as hard as diamond. This composite material is indispensable for creating wear-resistant products like machining tools, drill bits, and mining equipment, leveraging the element’s hardness and strength.
The high density of Tungsten makes it invaluable in applications requiring significant mass in a small volume or protection from high-energy radiation. It is widely used in X-ray targets and radiation shielding in medical imaging and aerospace technology. Tungsten is also alloyed with steel to create high-speed tool steels, which maintain hardness at elevated temperatures generated by high-speed cutting. Its density is utilized in high-performance counterweights for aircraft and in sporting goods like darts.