Which Element is Heavier: Tungsten or Lead?

The comparison between tungsten and lead in terms of weight can be a bit tricky, depending on what you mean by 'heavier.' When considering atomic weight, tungsten (W) is indeed lighter than lead (Pb). However, when density is taken into account, tungsten emerges as the heavier choice.

Atomic Weight vs. Density

Tungsten vs. Lead Atomic Weight: The atomic weight of tungsten is approximately 183.84 atomic mass units (amu), while that of lead is about 207.2 amu. This means that on a per-atom basis, lead is heavier than tungsten. But, as we will see, this does not tell the whole story.

Density of Tungsten and Lead

When comparing their densities, we find that tungsten (W) has a density of 19.3 g/cm3 at room temperature, while lead (Pb) has a density of 11.3 g/cm3. This difference in density is significant when comparing blocks of the two elements of the same volume.

For example, a bar made of tungsten of the same volume as a bar of lead would weigh significantly more. Specifically, a block of tungsten would be 1.69 times heavier than a block of lead of the same size, due to its higher density.

Real-World Applications

Tungsten Steel: Tungsten steel, such as tungsten carbide, is a material that is extremely dense and durable. It is used in a variety of applications, from cutting tools to armor plating, due to its exceptional hardness and high density. For instance, tungsten steel can be 1.47 times heavier than lead, making it much denser and more robust.

Bar Comparison: If you were to compare a one-inch cube of tungsten with a one-inch cube of lead, the tungsten cube would weigh approximately 1.74 times more than the lead cube. This significant difference in mass is due to the higher atomic density of tungsten.

Why the Density Matters

Density Calculation: The density of a material is defined as its mass per unit volume. Tungsten's density of 19.3 g/cm3 is significantly higher than lead's 11.3 g/cm3. This higher density means that tungsten contains more mass in a given volume compared to lead.

Comparison with Other Metals: To put tungsten's density into perspective, it is even more interesting to compare it with the densest known metal - osmium, which has a density of 22.59 g/cm3 at room temperature. While osmium is considerably denser than either tungsten or lead, it is still a useful point of reference.

Conclusion

In summary, when comparing tungsten and lead, the deciding factor is density rather than atomic weight. Tungsten is significantly heavier than lead of the same volume, a characteristic that makes it ideal for various industrial and scientific applications where high density is crucial.

For those looking to delve deeper into the properties of these metals, consulting resources like Wikipedia's metals by density can provide more detailed information.