MCQ Detailed View

Tungsten (chemical symbol W) is a transition metal in the periodic table known for its exceptional physical properties. One of its most remarkable features is its very high melting point, which is 3000 °C (about 5432 °F). This is the highest melting point of all pure metals, which is why Tungsten is highly valued in applications requiring extreme heat resistance.

The high melting point of Tungsten is due to its strong metallic bonds and high density of atoms in the crystal lattice. These tightly packed atoms require a large amount of energy to break apart, which is why Tungsten can remain solid at temperatures that would melt most other metals.

Tungsten is widely used in industrial applications that involve high temperatures. For example, it is commonly used in filaments of incandescent light bulbs, heating elements, rocket engine nozzles, and high-speed cutting tools. Its ability to withstand extreme heat without melting or deforming makes it an essential material in engineering and technology.

In addition to its melting point, Tungsten is known for its hardness, density, and corrosion resistance. These properties also make it important in alloys, such as tungsten steel, which are used to manufacture heavy machinery, military projectiles, and electrical contacts.

Understanding the melting point of Tungsten is a key part of learning about the physical properties of metals, particularly transition metals, in chemistry. Its extreme heat resistance demonstrates how atomic structure affects material properties, and why certain metals are preferred in specific industrial and technological applications.