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molybdenum

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Molybdenum is a chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. It is a silvery-grey, hard, brittle, and ductile metal. It is one of the transition metals.

Molybdenum has a high melting point and a high tensile strength. It is also resistant to corrosion and oxidation. These properties make molybdenum useful in a variety of applications, including:

  • Steelmaking: Molybdenum is added to steel to make it stronger and more resistant to corrosion. Molybdenum steel is used in a variety of applications, such as bridges, buildings, and oil pipelines.
  • Catalysts: Molybdenum is used in catalysts for a variety of chemical reactions, such as the production of sulfuric acid and nitric acid. Molybdenum catalysts are also used in the refining of petroleum.
  • Superalloys: Molybdenum is used in superalloys, which are used in high-temperature applications, such as jet engines and rocket engines. Molybdenum superalloys are able to withstand the high temperatures and stresses of these applications.
  • Electrical components: Molybdenum is used in electrical components, such as resistors and capacitors. Molybdenum is a good conductor of electricity and heat, and it is also resistant to corrosion.

Molybdenum is a relatively rare element, but it is still important because of its many uses.

How can the word be used?

Molybdenum is a chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42.

molybdenum

Different forms of the word

Noun: A chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. It is a silvery-white, lustrous transition metal with a high melting point.

Adjective: Relating to or containing molybdenum.

Verb: To treat or alloy with molybdenum.

Etymology

The word "molybdenum" comes from the Ancient Greek word "μολυβδαίνω" (molybdaino), which means "to lead." This is because molybdenum was once thought to be a type of lead.

The word "molybdenum" was first used in English in the 17th century. It was originally spelled "molybdaina" or "molybden." The modern spelling of the word was adopted in the 18th century.

Question

What is molybdenum and what can it be used for?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Describe the significance of molybdenum in biological systems and its role as an essential trace element. How does molybdenum contribute to enzyme activity and overall health?

Answer:

Molybdenum is an essential trace element with significant importance in biological systems. It plays a crucial role in enzyme activity and overall health, despite being required in very small amounts.

One of the primary roles of molybdenum is its involvement in various enzymatic reactions. Molybdenum-containing enzymes, called molybdoenzymes, are critical for several essential processes in organisms. For instance, the enzyme xanthine oxidase helps convert purines into uric acid, a waste product that is excreted from the body. Additionally, molybdenum is a vital component of nitrogenase, an enzyme involved in nitrogen fixation by certain bacteria, which is essential for plant growth and overall ecosystem health.

Molybdenum's contribution to enzyme activity stems from its ability to exist in different oxidation states. This versatility allows molybdenum to participate in redox reactions, which are crucial for energy production and other metabolic processes.

In terms of overall health, molybdenum is essential for maintaining the proper functioning of various systems, including metabolism and immune function. A deficiency in molybdenum can lead to health issues, including sulfite toxicity due to the impaired function of sulfite oxidase, another molybdenum-dependent enzyme.