Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Molybdenum is a chemical element with the symbol Mo and atomic number 42. It is a silver-gray metal that has a high melting point and is commonly used in alloys, particularly in stainless steels.
An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements, where at least one element is a metal. Molybdenum is often used as an alloying agent in steel to enhance its strength and corrosion resistance.
The melting point of a substance is the temperature at which it changes from a solid to a liquid state. Molybdenum has a high melting point of 2,623 degrees Celsius (4,753 degrees Fahrenheit).
Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a type of steel that contains chromium, which helps prevent rusting and corrosion. Molybdenum can be added to stainless steel to improve its strength and resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.