Tungsten (W): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Tungsten is element 74 on the periodic table, a transition metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DTungsten quick facts
| Atomic number | 74 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | W |
| Atomic mass | 183.84 |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 6, period 6 |
| Block | d-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁴ 6s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 12, 2 |
| Discovered | 1783, d'Elhuyar |
What is tungsten used for?
- Incandescent light bulb filaments
- Tungsten carbide drill bits & cutting tools
- Radiation shielding in X-ray rooms
Interesting facts about tungsten
- Tungsten has the highest melting point of all metals (3,422°C) and second highest of all elements
- Tungsten filaments glow white-hot in light bulbs without melting
- The symbol W comes from "wolfram". The German name for tungsten (from "wolf's foam" as it ate tin in smelting)
Tungsten was discovered in 1783 by d'Elhuyar in Spain.
Where tungsten sits on the periodic table
Tungsten is in group 6, period 6. Tap any element to open its page.
Other transition metals
Tungsten questions
What is the atomic number of tungsten?
Tungsten has atomic number 74, so every tungsten atom has 74 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is W and its atomic mass is 183.84.
Is tungsten a metal?
Tungsten is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 6, period 6.
What is the electron configuration of tungsten?
The electron configuration of tungsten is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d⁴ 6s². Its electrons sit in 6 shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 12, 2.
What is tungsten used for?
Tungsten is used for incandescent light bulb filaments, tungsten carbide drill bits & cutting tools and radiation shielding in x-ray rooms.
Who discovered tungsten?
Tungsten was discovered in 1783 by d'Elhuyar in Spain.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.