Atomic Number: 42 Period Number: 5 Group Number: 6
Molybdenum is a silvery-grey and hard metal. There is no free Molybdenum element in nature and most of them exist as an oxidation states in ores and minerals. There are seven isotopes of molybdenum: 92Mo, 94Mo, 95Mo, 96Mo, 97Mo, 98Mo and 100Mo.
Molybdenum is alloyed with steel making it stronger and more highly resistant to heat because molybdenum has such a high melting temperature. The alloys are used to make such things as rifle barrels and filaments for light bulbs. The iron and steel industries account for more than 75% of molybdenum consumption. The two largest uses of molybdenum are as an alloy in stainless steels and in alloy steels-these two uses consume about 60% of the molybdenum needs in the United States. Stainless steels include the strength and corrosion-resistant requirements for water distribution systems, food handling equipment, chemical processing equipment, home, hospital, and laboratory requirements. Alloy steels include the stronger and tougher steels needed to make automotive parts, construction equipment, gas transmission pipes. It also can be used as catalysts.
Molybdenum compounds also are widely used as catalysts, lubricants, pigments and corrosion inhibitors.
Physical and Chemical properties:
Atomic Weight: 95.96
Melting Point: 2896 K
Boiling Point: 4912 K
Density: 10.2 g/cm3
Phase at Room Temperature: Solid
Element Classification: Metal
Ionization Energy: 7.092eV
Oxidation State: +6
See also:
Wikipedia - Basics on Molybdenum
WebElements - The basic elements of Molybdenum
Jefferson Lab - Learning about Molybdenum
