Tungsten, also known as wolfram, is a chemical element with the chemical symbol W and atomic number 74. Tungsten is a rare metal found naturally on Earth only in chemical compounds. It is found in a few unusual minerals, but most often deposited in hot springs and as veins in rocks. It is also obtained from wolframite and scheelite ores, which are mined in many parts of the world. Tungsten has a number of unique properties that have made it an important material in industry and in everyday life.
One of the most important properties of tungsten is its high melting point. Tungsten melts at 3422 degrees Celsius, a temperature higher than any other metal. It is this property that makes it useful as a filament in light bulbs. The metal also has a very high boiling point – over 5900 degrees Celsius – as well as a very high tensile strength, meaning it can withstand a great deal of pressure. Tungsten is also very dense and has a high density among metals, making it ideal for use in applications that require weight.
Tungsten is highly corrosion resistant, making it useful for components that must withstand hostile environments. It does not react with air or water, and is therefore particularly useful for components exposed to these elements. In addition, tungsten has a very low coefficient of expansion, meaning it does not expand or contract under changes in temperature or humidity. This means that components made from tungsten remain stable over time.
Another important property of tungsten is its low electrical resistance and high electrical conductivity. This means that it is an excellent choice for use in electrical components, making it indispensable in the electronics industry.
Tungsten is also used in many industrial applications. It is used to make tools and cutting edges for drilling, machining, and grinding, as well as for making electrodes for welding and for creating refractory materials. It is also used in the production of superalloys and in the manufacture of ball bearings and aircraft parts.
Tungsten is also commonly alloyed with other metals to create a variety of tungsten alloys. These alloys have a variety of desirable properties, including strength, corrosion resistance, ductility, and good electrical conductivity. Tungsten alloys are used in a wide range of applications, such as bullets, coatings, and welding rods.
Tungsten is an extremely hard and tough metal, making it attractive for use in armor-piercing bullets. Such bullets are able to penetrate armor, making them effective against armored targets. Tungsten is also used in artillery shells and armor-piercing projectiles. These shells contain tungsten-containing pellets, which are effective against tanks and other armored targets.
Tungsten alloys are also used in the medical industry, for example, in dentistry and in prosthetics. Tungsten’s ability to withstand very high temperatures and its ability to be machined and molded into complex shapes make it ideal for use in medical instruments and devices. In addition, its low coefficient of expansion also makes it attractive for use in implants and other medical implants.
Tungsten is also used in jewelry, particularly tungsten carbide, which has a very hard surface and is resistant to scratches. The metal is also used in rings, bracelets, and other jewelry items.
Tungsten is a versatile and useful metal. Its properties make it fundamental in numerous industrial and everyday applications. It is a strong and durable material, with low electrical resistance and high electrical conductivity, as well as resistance to corrosion and a low coefficient of expansion. It is a valuable material in industry, but also has aesthetic and practical uses.
