Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be discussing the fascinating element known as molybdenum. Molybdenum is a chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. It is a silvery-white metal that is commonly used in alloys, such as steel, to increase strength and corrosion resistance. Molybdenum is also an essential trace element for humans and animals, playing a crucial role in various biological processes. Join us as we explore the properties and uses of this important element in a simple and non-complex manner.
The Periodic Element Molybdenum Overview
Molybdenum is a chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. It has an atomic mass of 95.94 u and is located in period 5 and group 6 of the periodic table. Molybdenum has 42 protons, 54 neutrons, and 42 electrons. It is a transition metal and is classified as a metal. Molybdenum has an electronegativity of 2.16 and a specific heat capacity of 0.251 J/g·K. Its melting point is 2,623 °C and its boiling point is 4,639 °C. The density of molybdenum is 10.28 g/cm³.Molybdenum is a silvery-white metal that is commonly used in alloys, such as steel, to increase strength and corrosion resistance. It is also used in the production of electrical contacts, filaments, and lubricants. Molybdenum is an important element in biological systems, as it is a component of enzymes that are involved in nitrogen fixation and the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids. Due to its high melting point and strength, molybdenum is also used in high-temperature applications, such as in the aerospace industry and in the production of furnace parts.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element molybdenum?
There are many everyday objects that contain chemicals or compounds that can be used to teach chemistry concepts. For example, water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and can be used to teach about chemical formulas and the properties of different elements. Salt, which is made up of sodium and chlorine, can be used to teach about ionic bonding and the properties of salts. Baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate, can be used to teach about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases. Other examples include vinegar, which is acetic acid, and aspirin, which is acetylsalicylic acid. By using everyday objects that contain chemicals, students can learn about chemistry concepts in a simple and relatable way.
Differences in the periodic element molybdenum across states of matter
The state of an element can vary greatly depending on its temperature and pressure. At standard temperature and pressure (STP), most elements are either solids or gases. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, while gases have neither. As temperature and pressure increase, some solids can become liquids, which have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container. As temperature and pressure continue to increase, some liquids can become gases, which have neither a fixed shape nor volume. At extremely high temperatures and pressures, some gases can become plasmas, which are highly ionized and conductive. Plasmas are often found in stars and lightning bolts, and have unique properties such as the ability to emit light.
Is the periodic element molybdenum dangerous or radioactive?
Molybdenum is not considered a dangerous or radioactive element. It is a naturally occurring element that is commonly found in minerals and ores. Molybdenum is used in a variety of industrial applications, including the production of steel and other alloys. It is also an essential nutrient for plants and animals, and is found in small amounts in many foods. While exposure to high levels of molybdenum can be toxic, the element is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in normal amounts.
Is the periodic element molybdenum rare and expensive?
Molybdenum is not considered a rare element, as it is the 54th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. However, it is not commonly found in its pure form and is often extracted from minerals such as molybdenite. The cost of molybdenum can vary depending on factors such as supply and demand, but it is generally not considered an expensive element. Molybdenum is commonly used in various industries, including steel production, electronics, and chemical manufacturing, due to its high melting point, corrosion resistance, and ability to strengthen alloys.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!