Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Molybdenum Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Molybdenum is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. Elements classified as Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat.Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.

History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief History of the Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of the Periodic Table. Molybdenum was discovered in 1781.

Occurrence of the Molybdenum Element
Obtained from molybdenite, powellite and wulfenite
Found in the enzyme xanthine oxidase
Byproduct of Copper mining
Mined in the USA

Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe 5×10^-7%
% in Sun 9×10^-7%
% in Meteorites 0.00012%
% in Earth's Crust 0.00011%
% in Oceans 1×10^-6%
% in Humans 0.00001%

Associated Uses of Molybdenum
High strength alloys
High temperature steels
Aircraft parts
Missile parts

The Properties of the Molybdenum Element
Name of Element : Molybdenum
Symbol of Element : Mo
Atomic Number of Molybdenum : 42
Atomic Mass: 95.94 amu
Melting Point: 2617.0 °C - 2890.15 °K
Boiling Point: 4612.0 °C - 4885.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Molybdenum : 42
Number of Neutrons in Molybdenum : 54
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 10.22 g/cm3
Color of Molybdenum : silvery-white

The Discovery of Molybdenum
Molybdenum was discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele  in 1778.

Carl Wilhelm Scheele
Carl Scheele (9 December 1742 – 21 May 1786) was a German chemist who made a number of important chemical discoveries before many others but was rarely given the credit for his findings. For instance, although Scheele discovered Oxygen Joseph Priestley published his findings first so was given the credit. Carl Scheele also identified molybdenum, tungsten, barium, Hydrogen and Chlorine before Humphry Davy and other scientists.

Carl Scheele (1742 - 1786)

Facts about the History of the Discovery of Molybdenum Element
The Russian Luna 24 mission discovered a single grain of pure Molybdenum in a pyroxene fragment taken from Mare Crisium on the Moon.

Molybdenum as on the Periodic Table
Check out Molybdenum on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the Periodic Law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Molybdenum as on the Periodic Table for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

What is Molybdenum - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Molybdenum is just one element that can be found.

Learn about what is Molybdenum with these fast facts...
These articles contain facts and information relating to Molybdenum and each of the other elements including the Periodic Symbol,  group, classification, properties and atomic number which is often referred to as the Periodic Table Number. Test your knowledge of chemistry and the Periodic Table by completing the Element Symbols and Atomic Numbers on our Blank Periodic Table. Chemistry students will also find a helpful section on Chemical Formulas.