Molybdenum

Symbol: Mo
Atomic number: 42
Category: transition metals
Group: 6
Period: 5
Block: d
Atomic weight: 95.94 g/mol
Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 18, 13, 1
CAS number: 7439-98-7
Phase: solid
Density: 10.28 kg/dm³ (near room temperature)
Melting point: 2896 K (2623 °C, 4753 °F)
Boiling point: 4912 K (4639 °C, 8382 °F)
Crystal structure: cubic body centered
Oxidation states: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
Electronegativity: 2.16 (Pauling scale)
Name's origin: molybdos
Name's meaning: lead, as the ore molybdena (currently molydbenite) was thought to be a lead ore
Facts:
- has the sixth-highest melting point of any element, and for this reason it is often used in high-strength steel alloys
- is found in trace amounts in plants and animals, although excess molybdenum can be toxic in some animals
- in a 70 kg (150 lb) human body, there is approximately 9.3 mg molybdenum
- is used in the manufacture of aircraft parts, electrical contacts, industrial motors, and filaments