Question

Tungsten has the highest melting point of any metal in the periodic table: \(3422^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) . The distance between \(\mathrm{W}\) atoms in tungsten metal is 2.74 A. (a) What is the atomic radius of atungsten atom in this environment? (This radius is called the metallic radius.) If you put tungsten metal under high pressure, predict what would happen to the distance between \(\mathrm{W}\) atoms.

Short answer

The atomic radius (or metallic radius) of a Tungsten atom in this environment is 1.37 Å. Under high pressure, the distance between Tungsten atoms will decrease as the atoms are forced closer together.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the given information

We are given that the distance between Tungsten atoms in tungsten metal is 2.74 Å. Since Tungsten is a metal, we can assume that its atoms are arranged in a close-packed structure. In this type of arrangement, the atomic radius (the metallic radius) can be calculated.

Calculate the atomic radius

In a close-packed arrangement, the distance between the centers of adjacent atoms is equal to the sum of their radii. Let's denote the atomic radius of a Tungsten atom as r. Then, the distance between two adjacent Tungsten atoms is given by the expression: \(2r = 2.74\ Å\) Now, we can solve for the atomic radius (r) by dividing both sides by 2: \(r = \frac{2.74\ Å}{2}\) \(r = 1.37\ Å\) So, the atomic radius (or metallic radius) of a Tungsten atom in this environment is 1.37 Å.

Predict the effect of high pressure on the distance between Tungsten atoms

When Tungsten metal is put under high pressure, the atoms are forced closer together. As the pressure increases, the atoms will be compressed, which will decrease the distance between them. Consequently, the distance between adjacent Tungsten atoms will decrease under high pressure.

Key concepts

Tungsten Melting Point

Tungsten, with a stunning melting point of 3422°C, holds the title for the highest melting point among all metals on the periodic table. This exceptional property is due to its strong metallic bonds and the presence of half-filled d-orbitals that contribute to its high melting temperature. In applications, this characteristic allows tungsten to excel in environments that would melt or deform other metals, such as filaments in incandescent bulbs and in high-temperature furnace construction. The high melting point is a clue to its resilience under extreme conditions and hints at its behavior under variations of pressure.

By understanding tungsten's melting point, students can deduce its potential performance in various technological and industrial applications. As pressure has a lesser effect on melting points of metals with already high values, tungsten remains solid in conditions where other metals might easily melt.

Metallic Radius

The concept of the metallic radius plays a crucial role in understanding the properties of metals. It refers to half the distance between the nuclei of two adjacent atoms in a metallic lattice. This value offers insights into the atomic packing and density of the metal. In our exercise, the metallic radius of a tungensten atom is calculated as 1.37 Å from the given interatomic distance of 2.74 Å in its metallic state. A greater metallic radius usually implies a looser packing within the structure, influencing the metal's melting point, density, and strength.

Students must recognize that the metallic radius is a useful parameter not just for solving textbook problems but for providing a basis for comparing the structural and physical characteristics of various metals in the periodic table.

Periodic Table Metals

The periodic table is home to a variety of metals, each with unique properties determined by their electron configurations and atomic structure. Metals occupy the majority of the table and are primarily located to the left and towards the bottom. They are characterized by attributes such as luster, malleability, ductility, and thermal and electrical conductivity. When looking at the periodic table, metals are arranged to highlight trends in their properties, such as atomic radius, ionization energy, and electronegativity, all playing a part in their chemical behavior.

Considering metals' positions in the periodic table and the patterns in their properties, it becomes easier to understand and predict how they react in different environments. Tungsten, for instance, is a transition metal known for its high density and high melting point, aspects that become evident when viewed within the framework of the periodic table.

High Pressure Effects on Metals

When metals are subjected to high pressure, their atomic structure is altered, which can lead to a decrease in interatomic distances. This compression can impact the physical properties of metals, such as electrical conductivity, strength, and even lead to phase transitions. Tungsten, known for its robustness, is expected to experience a decrease in the distance between its atoms under high pressure, thus reducing its metallic radius.

The prediction of these changes under pressure is significant in fields that deal with extreme conditions, such as geophysics and material science. High-pressure phenomena can lead to the discovery of new material phases with potentially novel properties, valuable in designing materials for specific high-performance applications. It's instrumental for students to understand that the effects of high pressure on metals are not merely academic; they are critical to the advancement of technology and industry.