Tungsten is element number 74, a metal with the symbol W. Its symbol and its name come from completely different words.
Atomic number 74183.8
WTungstenタングステン (tangusuten)
Symbol
W
Atomic weight
183.8
Place in the table
Period 6 · Group 6
Atomic weight from the Chemical Society of Japan, “Table of Standard Atomic Weights with Four Significant Figures (2026)”.
W for “wolf”
The symbol W comes from the German mineral name wolframite, a word meaning “wolf’s droppings.” It got this name because the mineral got in the way of refining tin. Tungsten was discovered in 1783.
The name means “heavy stone”
The English (and Japanese) name “tungsten” comes from the Swedish tung (heavy) and sten (stone): “heavy stone.”
Tungsten is in the sixth row of Group 6, with molybdenum above and chromium above that.
Think about it
Q1Why do you think one element got different names in different countries?
Q2Why compare something that gets in the way of refining tin to a wolf?
Q3Look for other elements whose symbol and name start with different letters.
There is no single right answer. Talking it over with someone at home is a good way to learn.
Did you know? — Elements whose symbol doesn’t match the Japanese name include tungsten (W), sodium (Na), potassium (K), antimony (Sb) and mercury (Hg).