Tungsten is a chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74. It is a rare metal found naturally on Earth almost exclusively as compounds with other elements. In its raw form, it is a hard, rare metal that is often brittle and difficult to work. However, if pure tungsten is processed to remove impurities and then heated, it becomes extraordinarily ductile and can be easily shaped into various forms. Tungsten has the highest melting point of all discovered elements, at 3,422 °C (6,192 °F), which makes it an excellent material for applications that require high-temperature resistance. It also has the highest tensile strength and lowest vapor pressure of any metal, even at extremely high temperatures. These unique properties make tungsten a valuable material in a wide range of industrial, scientific, and military applications, such as light bulb filaments, X-ray tubes, electrodes, aerospace components, armor-piercing rounds, and radiation shielding. Tungsten's hardness and density also make it suitable for use in jewelry, such as wedding bands and watch bands, as a tarnish-resistant alternative to traditional precious metals.
tungsten metal, tungsten alloy, tungsten carbide, tungsten filament, high melting point, tensile strength, vapor pressure, radiation shielding
CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Tungsten.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=434080 (Accessed on June 29, 2025)"
Tungsten, also known as wolfram, is a chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74. It is a rare metal found naturally on Earth, and is known for its incredibly high melting point, second only to carbon. Tungsten has a unique combination of physical and chemical properties that make it a valuable material in a variety of industrial applications. Tungsten is a very hard and dense metal, with a silvery-white color. It is highly resistant to corrosion and has a high tensile strength, making it an ideal material for use in high-temperature and high-stress environments. Tungsten is commonly used in the production of filaments for incandescent light bulbs, as well as in the manufacturing of electrical contacts, heating elements, and welding electrodes. Additionally, tungsten is used in the production of alloys, such as steel, to improve their strength and durability. The unique properties of tungsten also make it a valuable material in the field of nuclear energy. Tungsten is used as a radiation shield in nuclear reactors, as well as in the production of nuclear weapons. Tungsten is also used in the aerospace industry, where its high melting point and strength make it an ideal material for use in rocket engines and other high-temperature applications. Despite its many valuable properties, tungsten is a relatively rare element, with only a few countries producing significant amounts of the metal. As a result, tungsten is considered a strategic and critical material by many governments around the world.
chemical element, high melting point, industrial applications, electrical contacts, radiation shield
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