Molybdenum (Mo)

Molybdenum (Mo)

POURING AT SYDNEY STEEL COMPANY, NOVA SCOTIA

Atomic Number: 42
Atomic Weight: 95.94
Melting Point: 2617
Boiling Point: 4612
Specific Gravity: 10.22
Valence(s): 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6

Molybdenum was prepared in an impure form by Hjelm in 1782. Molybdenum is added to steel to improve its strength at high temperatures. It is also used in the nuclear industry and for missile and aircraft parts. It is an essential trace element in plant nutrition. Molybdenum is obtained from molybdenite and wulfenite. [LM] {RW}