Hobbies And Interests
Chemical Properties
Tungsten is a metal element, also known as wolfram, and has the chemical symbol W with atomic number 74 on the Periodic Table. In its refined form, Tungsten metal has the highest melting point of any non-alloy metals, melting at 6,192 degrees Fahrenheit. Although brittle when impure, in its purest form it is also a relatively moldable and dense metal that can be cut easily.
Uses
Tungsten is used throughout the electronics industry and is most commonly found in incandescent light bulb filaments and very hard drill bits when combined with carbon to make tungsten carbide. More unusual uses of the metal include in rocket nozzles, turbine blades when combined into a superalloy, and as ballast in race cars such as NASCAR and Formula One.
History
Tungsten was first discovered in Spain by two brothers, José and Fausto Elhuyar, in 1783, when they succeeded in isolating the metal from tungstic acid. Portugal went on to became the main European source of tungsten, while the metal itself went on to play a large role in World War II weaponry, due to its dense and temperature resistant nature.