Melting Point of Tungsten

The correct answer to the given question is option 'A', which states that the melting point of tungsten is 3380°C. Tungsten is a chemical element with the symbol W and atomic number 74. It is known for its extremely high melting point, making it one of the highest melting metals known.

Explanation:

Tungsten has the highest melting point of all pure elements. The reason behind its high melting point lies in its atomic structure and the bonding between its atoms. Here's an explanation of why tungsten has such a high melting point:

1. Atomic Structure:
Tungsten has a body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure. In this structure, each tungsten atom is surrounded by eight nearest neighboring atoms, forming a cube-like arrangement. The strong atomic bonding in this structure contributes to the high melting point of tungsten.

2. Electron Configuration:
The electron configuration of tungsten is [Xe] 4f^14 5d^4 6s^2. The 5d and 6s orbitals are partially filled, and these electrons are involved in metallic bonding. The presence of these outer electrons and their arrangement contribute to the strong bonding between tungsten atoms.

3. Metallic Bonding:
Metallic bonding occurs when the valence electrons of metal atoms are delocalized and form a "sea" of electrons that can move freely throughout the metal lattice. In tungsten, the strong metallic bond between the delocalized electrons and the positively charged metal ions requires a significant amount of energy to break, resulting in its high melting point.

4. High Nuclear Charge:
Tungsten has a high atomic number of 74, meaning it has 74 protons in its nucleus. The high nuclear charge results in a stronger attraction between the positively charged nucleus and the negatively charged electrons, further contributing to the high melting point of tungsten.

In conclusion, the unique combination of the tungsten's atomic structure, electron configuration, metallic bonding, and high nuclear charge leads to its exceptionally high melting point of 3380°C.