Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Molybdenum exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the transition metal family, governed by an electronegativity of 2.16 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 42 Quantum Anomaly
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabMolybdenum
Mo
Standard Atomic Mass: 95.95 u
Period 5Group 6D-Block
Chemical Specimen/Mo
Concentric Electron Shells5 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 12e⁻→
n=5: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Transition Metal
3D Atom SimulatorMolybdenum (Mo) Scientific Profile
Molybdenum (Mo) is an element with atomic number 42, classified as a transition metal. Positioned in Period 5, Group 6, and D-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Kr]4d⁵5s¹) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Molybdenum
3D Orbitals & Valence Lab
Simulate concentric quantum energy levels, observe valence electron spins, and examine live atomic clouds in full 3D.
Electronic Configuration Lab
Experiment with Aufbau subshell ordering, explore orbital occupancy, and analyze quantum configuration exceptions.
Electron Config
[Kr]4d⁵5s¹
Electronegativity
2.16 Pauling
Year Discovered
1778
Orbital Shells
5 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
d-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 6 • P: 5
Quantum Stability Configuration Exception
Instead of the textbook Aufbau filling order [Kr] 4d⁴ 5s², Molybdenum achieves lowest ground state energy as [Kr] 4d⁵ 5s¹. Half-filled 4d⁵ subshell provides maximum quantum exchange stabilization.
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Molybdenum is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Molybdenum does not play a prominent biological role in human biochemistry, existing primarily as a trace element or mineral component in natural ecosystems.
Geochemistry & Abundance
Cosmic & Terrestrial Occurrence
Elements like Molybdenum are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Molybdenum is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Molybdenum
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Molybdenum?
Molybdenum (Mo) has an atomic number of 42 and a standard atomic mass of 95.95 u. It is positioned in Period 5, Group 6, in the D-block, and is classified within the Transition Metal category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Molybdenum?
The ground-state electron configuration of Molybdenum is [Kr]4d⁵5s¹. Its 42 electrons are distributed across 5 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 12, 2).
Q
Why does Molybdenum exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Half-filled 4d⁵ subshell provides maximum quantum exchange stabilization.
Q
What are the primary commercial and laboratory uses of Molybdenum?
Molybdenum is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.