Tungsten (W)
Tungsten is element 74, a transition metal in period 6, group 6 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.
Electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d4 6s2
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 18, 32, 12, 2
Tungsten data
| Atomic number | 74 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | W |
| Atomic mass | 183.84 u |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Group | 6 |
| Period | 6 |
| Block | d |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 3695 K (3421.9 °C) |
| Boiling point | 5828 K (5554.9 °C) |
| Density | 19.25 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.36 |
| Atomic radius | 146 pm |
| 1st ionization energy | 770 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -79 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | -2, -1, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, +6 |
| Common ion charge | 6+ |
| Discovered | 1783 |
Orbital diagram
Each box is one orbital holding up to two electrons of opposite spin. Following Hund’s rule, electrons spread out singly across a subshell before pairing.
Work through tungsten’s configuration and its ions →
Where tungsten sits
Tungsten belongs to the transition metals. Its Pauling electronegativity of 2.36 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Tungsten FAQ
What is the electron configuration of tungsten?
Tungsten (Z = 74) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p6 4f14 5d4 6s2. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Xe] 4f14 5d4 6s2.
How many valence electrons does tungsten have?
6 (2 outer s + 4 d electrons; 2 in the outermost shell).
What is the atomic mass of tungsten?
The standard atomic weight of tungsten is 183.84 u, so one mole weighs 183.84 g.
Is tungsten a metal?
Yes. Tungsten is a transition metal.
What is the charge of a tungsten ion?
Tungsten most commonly forms W6+.