What Is The Electron Configuration Of W

Tungsten, also known as W, is a fascinating element with a unique electron configuration. Understanding its electron structure is essential to comprehend its properties and behavior in various chemical reactions. Let’s dive into the electron configuration of tungsten and explore its significance.

Key Takeaways:

• The electron configuration of tungsten is 1s2 2s2p6 3s2p6d10 4s2p6d10f14 5s2p6d4 6s2.
• Tungsten has a total of 74 electrons, distributed across different energy levels and orbitals.
• In the valence shell, tungsten has 4 electrons in the 5d orbital and 2 electrons in the 6s orbital.
• Tungsten’s electron configuration influences its chemical reactivity and bonding properties.
• The discovery of tungsten can be attributed to the Spanish brothers Fausto and Juan José de Elhuijar in 1783.

Atomic Structure and Properties of Tungsten

Tungsten, symbolized by the letter W, possesses an intriguing atomic structure and a range of unique physical and chemical properties. Understanding these characteristics is essential to gaining insights into the remarkable applications of this element.

Atomic Structure

Tungsten has an atomic radius of 2.02Å and a cubic body-centered crystal structure. Its electron configuration is 1s2 2s2p6 3s2p6d10 4s2p6d10f14 5s2p6d4 6s2. This arrangement indicates that tungsten has a total of 74 electrons distributed across multiple energy levels and orbitals. Notably, tungsten’s valence electron configuration is 5d4 6s2, with 4 valence electrons in the 5d orbital and 2 valence electrons in the 6s orbital.

Physical Properties

Tungsten is a hard, silver-white metal with a density of 19.35 g/cc at 300K. It has an atomic mass of 183.85 and an atomic volume of 9.53cm3/mol. The element exhibits a high boiling point of 5928K along with a coefficient of lineal thermal expansion of 4.59E-6/K-1. With a thermal conductivity of 1.74 W/cmK, tungsten efficiently transfers heat.

Chemical Properties

In terms of chemical properties, tungsten has an electrochemical equivalent of 1.1432g/amp-hr and an electron work function of 4.55eV. It possesses an electronegativity value of 2.36 on the Pauling scale. These properties contribute to tungsten’s behavior in various chemical reactions and compounds.

In summary, tungsten’s atomic structure and properties make it a fascinating element with diverse applications across numerous industries.

Valence Electron Configuration of Tungsten

Tungsten’s valence electron configuration plays a crucial role in determining its chemical reactivity and bonding behavior. The valence shell, which is the outermost energy level of an atom, contains the valence electrons. In the case of tungsten, the valence electron configuration is 5d4 6s2. This means that there are 4 electrons in the 5d orbital and 2 electrons in the 6s orbital.

These valence electrons are important because they are involved in forming chemical bonds. The 5d4 configuration indicates that tungsten has four unpaired electrons in the 5d orbital, which can participate in bonding with other atoms or molecules. The 6s2 configuration indicates that there are two electrons in the 6s orbital that can also participate in bonding.

This valence electron configuration influences the unique properties of tungsten. For example, the presence of unpaired electrons in the 5d orbital contributes to tungsten’s ability to form coordination complexes and exhibit catalytic activity. Additionally, the 6s electrons contribute to tungsten’s metallic properties, such as its high electrical conductivity and metallic bonding.

Table: Electron Configuration of Tungsten

Energy Level	Orbital	Electrons
1	1s	2
2	2s	2
2	2p	6
3	3s	2
3	3p	6
3	3d	10
4	4s	2
4	4p	6
4	4d	10
4	4f	14
5	5s	2
5	5p	6
5	5d	4
6	6s	2

The valence electron configuration of tungsten influences its interactions with other elements and compounds, playing a role in various chemical reactions and processes. Understanding the valence electron configuration is essential for scientists and researchers in fields such as materials science, chemistry, and nanotechnology.

By studying the valence electron configuration of tungsten and its relationship to its other properties, scientists can gain insights into its behavior in different environments and devise strategies for utilizing its unique characteristics in various applications.

Uses of Tungsten and Its Discoverers

Tungsten, known for its exceptional properties, finds a wide range of applications in various industries. One of its primary uses is in the electronics industry, where it is transformed into filaments for vacuum tubes and electric lights, providing efficient lighting solutions. The exceptional heat resistance and high melting point of tungsten make it an ideal material for contact points in cars, ensuring reliable electrical connections.

Tungsten’s remarkable strength and durability make it indispensable in the manufacturing of cutting tools and welding electrodes. Its unique ability to withstand high temperatures and resist corrosion makes it an excellent choice for rocket nozzles, ensuring reliable propulsion in space exploration. Moreover, when combined with calcium or magnesium, tungsten is utilized in the production of phosphors, which are crucial components in fluorescent lighting and television screens.

The discovery of tungsten dates back to 1783 when the Spanish brothers Fausto and Juan José de Elhuijar first isolated the metal in Vergara, Spain. The credit for identifying and isolating tungsten is also attributed to the German chemist Karl Wilhelm Scheele, who accomplished this feat in 1880. The name “tungsten” itself originates from the Swedish language, translating to “heavy stone,” and accurately describes the metal’s dense nature.