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Molybdenum (Mo) – Element 42 of the periodic table

Molybdenum (symbol Mo) is element number 42 of the periodic table and belongs to the “Transition metal” category. Its atomic mass is about 95.95, and its phase under standard conditions is Solid. This element sits in period 5 and group 6 of the periodic table, and its electrons are arranged in shells of 2, 8, 18, 13, 1. The short electron configuration of Molybdenum is [Kr] 4d⁵ 5s¹. Known uses of Molybdenum include Alloy steels, Lubricants and Catalysts.

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Properties of Molybdenum

Atomic number
42
Chemical symbol
Mo
Atomic mass
95.95
Category
Transition metal
Period
5
Group
6
Phase
Solid
Protons
42
Electrons
42
Neutrons (approx.)
54
Electron shells
2, 8, 18, 13, 1
Outer-shell electrons
1
Discovered
Carl Wilhelm Scheele (1778)

Electron configuration of Molybdenum

The electron configuration of Molybdenum (Mo), with 42 electrons, is shown below. The last shell (shell 5) is highlighted:

Full configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d⁵ 5s¹
Short configuration
[Kr] 4d⁵ 5s¹
Last shell
5s¹

What is electron configuration and how is it written?

Electron shells of Molybdenum

Distribution of 42 electrons of Molybdenum across shells K to O:

  1. K2
  2. L8
  3. M18
  4. N13
  5. O1

What is a transition metal?

The transition metals are the d-block elements: usually good conductors of heat and electricity, with several oxidation states, and they form colourful compounds and important catalysts.

Uses of Molybdenum

Frequently asked questions about Molybdenum

What is the atomic number of Molybdenum?

The atomic number of Molybdenum (Mo) is 42; that is, every atom of it has 42 protons.

What is the electron configuration of Molybdenum?

The electron configuration of Molybdenum (Mo) is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d⁵ 5s¹; in short form it is [Kr] 4d⁵ 5s¹, and its last shell is 5s¹.

What is the chemical symbol of Molybdenum?

The chemical symbol of Molybdenum is Mo.

Where is Molybdenum located in the periodic table?

Molybdenum is located in period 5 and group 6 and belongs to the “Transition metal” category.

What is the atomic mass of Molybdenum?

The atomic mass of Molybdenum is about 95.95 (atomic mass units).

What is the phase of Molybdenum under normal conditions?

The phase of Molybdenum under standard conditions is Solid.

What are the uses of Molybdenum?

Uses of Molybdenum include Alloy steels, Lubricants and Catalysts.

Who discovered Molybdenum?

Molybdenum was discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1778.

Elements in the same category as Molybdenum (Transition metal)

Scandium (Sc)Titanium (Ti)Vanadium (V)Chromium (Cr)Manganese (Mn)Iron (Fe)Cobalt (Co)Nickel (Ni)Copper (Cu)Zinc (Zn)Yttrium (Y)Zirconium (Zr)Niobium (Nb)Technetium (Tc)Ruthenium (Ru)Rhodium (Rh)Palladium (Pd)Silver (Ag)Cadmium (Cd)Hafnium (Hf)

See all Transition metals

Molybdenum’s group 6 neighbours

Chromium (Cr)Tungsten (W)Seaborgium (Sg)

Group 6 of the periodic table