Molybdenum Research Paper

Molybdenum was discovered by Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1781 (“WebElements Periodic Table”). Molybdenum’s symbol, Mo, is fairly similar to its name. Boasting atomic number 42, Molybdenum sits in group 6, period 5, and is labeled as a transition metal, generally classified just as a metal (“Royal Society of Chemistry”). Though it doesn’t have any special roles in history, it is a very important element in today’s world, and has been since the manufacturing of steel became a big business. Its current primary use is in the manufacturing of steel, specifically piping, as all steel has just over 6% of any manufactured steel is made up of Molybdenum.

Physically, Molybdenum is a solid: silver in color with a fair amount of luster to its surface. It is rigid to the touch, though not as hard as some other metals, and does not

It is primarily used in steel as a hardening source. For this to be achieved, it is mixed with other metals and melted together to form the rigid material we know as steel, stainless steel, or even galvanized steel. Molybdenum is first mined, then goes through a process of crushing, grinding, leaching, and sometimes roasting in order to create the product popularly used in steel manufacturing (“Royal Society of Chemistry”). As far as supply and demand for this element, both come out to be virtually equal as of currently. It costs $44 to purchase 100g of Molybdenum, and it is sold in the open marketplace (“WebElements Periodic Table”).

Personally, I believe Molybdenum is a benefit to society. Without it, all types of steel could not be manufactured with the great rigidity that it has; also, there are other uses for this element, such as a lubricant, ink, and pigment, the steel industry certainly relies most heavily on it. With all the good it has done since its discovery, Molybdenum is undoubtedly a huge benefit to