Molybdenum (Mo) VS Tungsten (W)
A definitive side-by-side comparison of two essential element profiles.
VS
Main Differences
Molybdenum (Mo) is an element in the transition metals category with an atomic number of 42. Tungsten (W) is an element in the transition metals category with an atomic number of 74.
Tungsten (W) is 1.9x denser than Molybdenum (Mo). However, Tungsten (W) melts at a higher temperature than Molybdenum (Mo) (a difference of 799.0 Kelvin).
Where do the names come from?
Mo Molybdenum (Mo) Naming History
The name Molybdenum is derived from the Greek ''molybdos'' meaning lead.
W Tungsten (W) Naming History
The name Tungsten is derived from the Swedish ''tung sten'' meaning heavy stone.
Related Comparisons
Compare
Molybdenum (Mo)
Tungsten (W)
Category
Transition Metals
Transition Metals
Atomic Number
42
74
Symbol
Mo
W
Atomic Mass
95.95 u
183.84 u
Group
6
6
Period
5
6
Block
d-block
d-block
Standard State (at 20°C)
solid
solid
Density
10.28 g/cm³
19.25 g/cm³
Melting Point (°C)
2622°C
3414°C
Melting Point (°F)
4752°F
6177°F
Melting Point (K)
2896 K
3695 K
Boiling Point (°C)
4639°C
5555°C
Boiling Point (°F)
8382°F
10031°F
Boiling Point (K)
4912 K
5828 K
Year Discovered:
1781
1783
CAS Number
7439-98-7
7440-33-7
Origin of Name:
The name is derived from the Greek ''molybdos'' meaning lead.
The name is derived from the Swedish ''tung sten'' meaning heavy stone.