Molybdenum
Atomic Number: 42
Molybdenum is the 42nd element in the periodic table and it is one of the transition metals. It is a silvery-white metal that is ductile and highly resistant to corrosion. It has one of the highest melting points for any pure element (only the elements tantalum and tungsten have higher melting points). Molybdenum's main use is to make metal alloys as it is increases strength, hardness, electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. Molybdenum is found in the ground in ores. The main ore this element is in is molybdenite. Molybdenite is mined in USA, China, Chile and Peru. Molybdenum was discovered in Sweden by Carl William Scheele in 1778. The name molybdenum might sound very weird but it comes from the Neo-Latin word "molybdaenum", which is based on Ancient Greek word "molybdos", which means lead. it is named after lead because they confused molybdenum ores with lead ores.
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