Molybdenum
By: Ellis Martin
Physical Properties of Molybdenum
Atomic Mass: 95.94
Atomic Radius: 190pm
Density: 10.280 g/cc
Melting Point: 2623° C
Boiling Point: 4639°
At room temperature (22°C), this element is a: Solid
Appearance: Looks like Steel, shiny gray, a high strength alloy
Conductivity: Able to conduct heat and electricity
Malleability: Is malleable, not brittle
Hardness: Very hard
Other physical properties: Has a very high melting point and a very high boiling point
Chemical Properties of Molybdenum
Flammability: It is flammable in the form of powder or dust
Reactivity: Doesn’t react to air, oxygen, or water, not very reactive
Identifying Information
Atomic Structure
Atomic Number: 42
Mass Number: 95.94
Protons: 42 protons
Neutrons: 54 neutrons
Electrons: 42 electrons
Location on the Periodic Table
Around the left center of the periodic table. It is the 42 element listed.
History and Discovery
When was your element discovered (or first produced if it is manmade)?
Molybdenum was found in 1778
Where was your element discovered (or first produced if it is manmade)?
Molybdenum was discovered in molybdenite, in a Swedish lab
Who first discovered (or first produced if it is manmade) your element?
Molybdenum was discovered by Carl Welhelm Scheele
Why/how was your element discovered (or produced if it is manmade)?
Molybdenum was chemically separated from a mineral known as molybdenite by
Peter Jacob Hjelm in 1781.
Applications and Uses
In what ways is your element most commonly used? Where is your element most often
found?
The metal is used to make some missile and aircraft parts and is used in the nuclear power industry. Used in high grade steel alloys. It is most commonly found in molybdenite.
What specific isotopes of your element have unique or important uses or applications?
There are 33 known isotpoes of molybdenum ranging from 83 to 115 in atomic mass. Seven isotopes occur naturally, with atomic masses of 92, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, and 100.
Does your element form specific compounds (or alloys) that have important uses?
High grade steel alloys. Used to make strong things and things that need a high melting point. It is used for roads, railways, other infrastructure, appliances, and buildings.
Name and Symbol
Where does your element’s name and/or symbol come from? Any interesting stories there?
Carl Wilhelm Scheele
Peter Jacob Hjelm
Molybdenum On the Periodic Table
Sources Used
Element Card: Gray, Theodore W. (2008). The Photographic Card Deck of the Elements.
Elements Book: Gray, Theodore W. (2009). The Elements: A visual exploration of every known atom in the universe. New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers, Inc.
Jefferson Lab Periodic Table:
http://education.jlab.org/itselemental/ele042.html
PeriodicTable.com:
http://periodictable.com/Elements/042/index.html
Peter Jacob Hjelm: http://photos.geni.com/p13/f1/81/3f/a8/5344483a84b3fec1/fim89maf_medium.jpg
Carl Willhelm Scheele:
http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/14/18314-004-A89F6268.jpg
Wikipedia: