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tungsten

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Secondary Information

Definition

Tungsten is a chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74. It is a transition metal that is found in the same group as chromium and molybdenum. Tungsten is the heaviest of the naturally occurring elements.

Tungsten is a very hard and dense metal. It has a melting point of 3,422 degrees Celsius, which is the highest of any element. Tungsten is also a good conductor of heat and electricity.

Tungsten is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Light bulbs: Tungsten filaments are used in light bulbs because they can withstand high temperatures without melting.
  • X-ray tubes: Tungsten targets are used in X-ray tubes because they can withstand high temperatures and emit a lot of electrons.
  • Electric contacts: Tungsten contacts are used in electric switches and relays because they are very hard and resistant to wear.
  • Tools and dies: Tungsten is used in the manufacture of tools and dies because it is very hard and resistant to wear.

How can the word be used?

Tungsten is a chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74.

tungsten

Different forms of the word

Noun:

a gray-white heavy high-melting ductile hard polyvalent metallic element that resembles chromium and molybdenum in many of its properties and is used especially in carbide materials and electrical components (such as lamp filaments).

Etymology

The word "tungsten" comes from the Swedish word "tung sten", which means "heavy stone".

The first recorded use of the word "tungsten" in English was in 1781.

The word "tungsten" is a Swedish word, and it is related to the German word "Wolfram".

Question

What can tungsten used for?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Define tungsten and explain its significance as a metal element in various industrial applications. Describe the unique properties of tungsten that make it suitable for specific uses. Provide an example of a real-world application where tungsten's properties are utilised.

Answer:

Tungsten is a chemical element with the symbol "W" on the periodic table, and it holds importance in various industrial sectors due to its exceptional properties.

Tungsten is known for its high melting point, making it a key material in applications requiring extreme heat resistance. This property makes it a crucial component in the production of high-temperature tools, such as cutting and drilling equipment for industries like metalworking and mining. Its exceptional hardness and durability also make tungsten suitable for manufacturing filaments in incandescent light bulbs, which operate at very high temperatures.

An example of a real-world application of tungsten is in the aerospace industry. Tungsten is used to create heavy alloys, such as tungsten-nickel-iron alloys, which are utilised as ballast in aircraft and spacecraft. These alloys provide stability and balance, allowing precise control of flight trajectories.

Tungsten's density and strength also contribute to its role in manufacturing electrical contacts and electrodes. In electronics, it is used to create components like cathodes in vacuum tubes and electron guns in television screens.