Periodic table / Molybdenum

Overview

Molybdenum is a chemical element with symbol Mo and atomic number 42. The name is from Neo-Latin molybdaenum, from Ancient Greek Μόλυβδος molybdos, meaning lead, since its ores were confused with lead ores. Molybdenum minerals have been known throughout history, but the element was discovered (in the sense of differentiating it as a new entity from the mineral salts of other metals) in 1778 by Carl Wilhelm Scheele.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Molybdenum is [Kr] 4d5 5s1, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 13, 1.

Physical and chemical properties

Molybdenum is classified as a transition metal. It has an atomic mass of 95.951 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as gray metallic.

Real-world uses of Molybdenum

As a transition metal, Molybdenum is typically used in alloys, industrial manufacturing, electronics, or as a catalyst in chemical reactions.

Interesting facts about Molybdenum

• Molybdenum has the atomic number 42 and chemical symbol Mo.
• It belongs to period 5, group 6 of the periodic table.
• Molybdenum was discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele.

Explore Molybdenum interactively

Want to compare Molybdenum with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Mo to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.