Tungsten is generally considered the strongest element on Earth.
While the definition of "strongest" can be interpreted in different ways (e.g., tensile strength, compressive strength, hardness), tungsten consistently ranks high across multiple measures of strength, especially tensile strength, which refers to its ability to withstand pulling forces.
Understanding Different Measures of Strength
It's important to understand that "strongest" is a relative term and can refer to several different material properties:
- Tensile Strength: Measures how much pulling force a material can withstand before breaking.
- Compressive Strength: Measures how much squeezing force a material can withstand before deforming or breaking.
- Hardness: Measures a material's resistance to localized plastic deformation (e.g., scratching or indentation).
- Yield Strength: Measures the amount of stress a material can withstand before it begins to deform permanently.
Why Tungsten is Strong
Tungsten's exceptional strength stems from its unique atomic structure and strong metallic bonding.
- High Melting Point: Tungsten has the highest melting point of all metals (3,422 °C or 6,192 °F), indicating exceptionally strong interatomic bonds. This contributes to its high strength, even at high temperatures.
- High Density: Tungsten is very dense (19.3 g/cm³), which also contributes to its overall strength and resistance to deformation.
Examples of Tungsten's Use
Tungsten's strength makes it suitable for various high-stress applications:
- Light Bulb Filaments: Its high melting point and strength allow it to glow brightly without melting.
- Welding Electrodes: Used in TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and electrical currents.
- Armor-Piercing Projectiles: Its high density and strength make it effective at penetrating targets.
- Cutting Tools: Tungsten carbide is an extremely hard and wear-resistant material used in cutting tools for machining metals.
While other materials may exhibit higher strength under specific conditions (e.g., some ceramics are harder), tungsten offers a balance of strength, ductility, and other desirable properties that make it a versatile and often-cited "strongest" element.
