Tungsten (W): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Tungsten (W): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Xe] 6s2 4f14 5d4 · group 6 · period 6 · Ar 183.84
Tungsten data
- Atomic number
- 74
- Relative atomic mass
- 183.84
- Group
- 6
- Period
- 6
- Block
- d
- Category
- Transition metal
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 6s2 4f14 5d4
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d4
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 32, 12, 2 (K L M N O P)
- Valence electrons
- 6
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 2.36
- First ionisation energy
- 7.98 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 210 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 3422 °C
- Boiling point
- 5555 °C
- Density
- 19.3 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +6
- Discovered
- 1783
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 18 · N 32 · O 12 · P 2
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About tungsten
Tungsten, symbol W, is element number 74 in the periodic table. It is a transition metal in group 6, period 6, d-block. Tungsten was first discovered in 1783. The symbol W comes from its other name, wolfram. Its melting point of 3422 °C is the highest of all metals.
Tungsten electron configuration
The electron configuration of tungsten is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d4, or in short [Xe] 6s2 4f14 5d4. Its electrons occupy 6 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 18, N = 32, O = 12, P = 2. For transition metals, valence electrons are counted from the 6s and 5d subshells: 2 + 4 = 6, matching group 6.
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p6(10) → 3s2(12) → 3p6(18) → 4s2(20) → 3d10(30) → 4p6(36) → 5s2(38) → 4d10(48) → 5p6(54) → 6s2(56) → 4f14(70) → 5d4(74)
Uses of tungsten
Well-known applications of tungsten include lamp filaments, TIG welding electrodes, tungsten carbide for drill bits and cutting tools, and counterweights. For research and analysis you can browse tungsten compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
Tungsten metal is generally safe to handle, but avoid breathing its dust and read the SDS before using Tungsten compounds. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 6
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of tungsten?
The electron configuration of tungsten (W, atomic number 74) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d4, or [Xe] 6s2 4f14 5d4 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 18, 32, 12, 2.
How many valence electrons does tungsten have?
Tungsten has 6 valence electrons.
Which group and period is tungsten in?
Tungsten is in group 6, period 6, d-block.
What is the atomic mass of tungsten?
The relative atomic mass of tungsten is 183.84. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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