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Molybdenum (Mo)
Element with atomic number 42, category: Transition metal, a solid at room temperature.
Element 42 of 118
Transition metal
Molybdenum
Group 6, Period 5
Common Uses
Strong steel
Electron Diagram
About Molybdenum
Molybdenum is a chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42, meaning every atom has 42 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Transition metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 95.95 atomic mass units (u).
On the periodic table, Molybdenum sits in group 6, period 5, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.
Uses of Molybdenum
In daily life and industry, Molybdenum is used for Strong steel. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Transition metal category.
Electron Structure of Molybdenum
Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Molybdenum has 4 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 14 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.
Explore Other Elements
Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.