Deutsch: Wolfram / Español: Wolframio / Português: Tungsténio / Français: Tungstène / Italiano: Tungsteno
Tungsten is a chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74. It is a hard, dense, steel-gray metal that has the highest melting point of all metals and is used in a variety of industrial applications. Here are some examples of tungsten's uses in the industrial context:
- Filaments in light bulbs - Tungsten is used as a filament in incandescent light bulbs due to its high melting point and ability to withstand high temperatures.
- Electrical contacts - Tungsten is used in electrical contacts due to its high conductivity and resistance to wear and corrosion.
- X-ray tubes - Tungsten is used in X-ray tubes because of its ability to produce high-energy X-rays.
- Cutting tools - Tungsten carbide, a compound of tungsten, is used in cutting tools due to its hardness and wear resistance.
- Radiation shielding - Tungsten is used as a radiation shielding material due to its high density and ability to absorb gamma rays.
Similar materials to tungsten include:
- Molybdenum - Another refractory metal that has similar properties to tungsten and is used in similar applications.
- Titanium - A lightweight metal that is used in aerospace and biomedical applications due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and biocompatibility.
- Cobalt - A metal that is used as a binder in cemented carbide tools, which are used in cutting applications.
- Vanadium - A metal that is used as an alloying element in steel to increase its strength and toughness.
- Chromium - A metal that is used as an alloying element in stainless steel to improve its corrosion resistance.