W - Tungsten

Tungsten, with the chemical symbol W and atomic number 74, is a metal known for its remarkable properties, including the highest melting point of all the metals and exceptional strength at high temperatures. 

Physical Characteristics:

• Appearance: Tungsten is a steel-gray to tin-white metal.
• Density: Approximately 19.25 g/cm³ at room temperature, making it one of the heaviest metals.
• Melting Point: About 3422°C (6192°F), the highest of all metals.
• Boiling Point: Approximately 5555°C (10031°F), showcasing its incredible stability even at extreme temperatures.

Applications:

1. Filaments in Light Bulbs and Electronics: Tungsten’s high melting point makes it ideal for use as the filament in incandescent light bulbs, vacuum tubes, and other electronic components where high temperatures are reached.

2. Electrical Contacts and Electrodes: Due to its high conductivity and resistance to wear and corrosion, tungsten is used in electrical contacts, electrodes, and other components in electrical and welding applications.

3. Alloys: Tungsten is a key component in various high-strength alloys used in aerospace, military applications, and tool steels. Tungsten carbide (WC), for instance, is renowned for its extreme hardness and resistance to abrasion, making it ideal for cutting tools, mining machinery, and drilling equipment.

Compounds:

1. Tungsten Carbide (WC): Noted for its extreme hardness, used in cutting and drilling tools, abrasives, and armor-piercing ammunition.

2. Tungsten Disulfide (WS2): Used as a dry lubricant in applications where temperatures can be too high for traditional lubricants, such as in aerospace and automotive components.

3. Tungsten Hexafluoride (WF6): Utilized in the production of semiconductor circuits and devices through chemical vapor deposition.

Basics on Tungsten-Wikipedia