Molybdenum is a chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. It is a silvery-grey metal that is found in the Earth's crust in small quantities.
Sources of Molybdenum:
Molybdenite: Molybdenum is primarily extracted from the mineral molybdenite, which contains up to 2% molybdenum.
Wulfenite: Molybdenum can also be found in the mineral wulfenite, and can be extracted from this mineral using a variety of methods.
Uses of Molybdenum:
Steel Alloys: Molybdenum is used in steel alloys to increase the strength, toughness, and resistance to corrosion and high temperatures.
Lubricants: Molybdenum is used as a lubricant due to its ability to reduce friction and wear.
Electrical Components: Molybdenum is used in electrical components, such as electrical conductors, due to its high electrical conductivity.
Chemicals: Molybdenum is used in the production of chemicals, such as catalysts, and in the manufacture of pigments.
Other Applications: Molybdenum is also used in other applications, such as in the production of high-performance alloys for aircraft engines and in the manufacture of radiation shielding materials.
Production of Molybdenum:
Mining: Molybdenum is produced by mining molybdenite and wulfenite and then processing the ore to obtain the metal.
Reduction: Molybdenum can also be produced by reducing molybdenum compounds, such as molybdenum oxide, with other elements.
Properties of Molybdenum:
Physical Properties: Molybdenum is a silvery-grey metal that is relatively stable in air and has a high melting point.
Chemical Properties: Molybdenum is a reactive metal and readily forms compounds with other elements.
Extract: Molybdenum is extracted from molybdenite and wulfenite by mining and processing the ore. Molybdenum compounds, such as molybdenum oxide, can be obtained by chemical reactions with other elements.