Mendeleev
Periodic table · chemistry · physics
Element story

Molybdenum

Atomic number 42 means that every Molybdenum nucleus contains 42 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Molybdenum.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 42 means that every Molybdenum nucleus contains 42 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Molybdenum.

Molybdenum (Mo) is chemical element 42. It belongs to the transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

In practice, it turns up most often in metallurgy and steel, catalysts and lubricants.

See the atom

Conceptual visual: electron shells are a learning aid, not a literal picture of quantum orbitals.

What this number means

Atomic number 42 means that every Molybdenum nucleus contains 42 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Molybdenum.

Keep exploring

→ Molybdenum · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

42MoMolybdenum
Molybdenum · Mo · Z = 42

Molybdenum (Mo) is chemical element 42. It belongs to the transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Understanding the element

Molybdenum (Mo) is chemical element 42. It belongs to the transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Where do we encounter it?

In practice, it turns up most often in metallurgy and steel, catalysts and lubricants.

What its position in the table tells us

Molybdenum sits in period 5, group 6 and the D block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.