Group 6 element facts for kids
Group 6 is a special family of elements found in the periodic table. These elements are chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), and seaborgium (Sg). They are all known as transition metals. Chromium, molybdenum, and tungsten are also called refractory metals, which means they can handle very high temperatures without melting.
| Periodic table | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H | He | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Li | Be | B | C | N | O | F | Ne | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Na | Mg | Al | Si | P | S | Cl | Ar | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| K | Ca | Sc | Ti | V | Cr | Mn | Fe | Co | Ni | Cu | Zn | Ga | Ge | As | Se | Br | Kr | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rb | Sr | Y | Zr | Nb | Mo | Tc | Ru | Rh | Pd | Ag | Cd | In | Sn | Sb | Te | I | Xe | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cs | Ba | La | Ce | Pr | Nd | Pm | Sm | Eu | Gd | Tb | Dy | Ho | Er | Tm | Yb | Lu | Hf | Ta | W | Re | Os | Ir | Pt | Au | Hg | Tl | Pb | Bi | Po | At | Rn | ||||||||||
| Fr | Ra | Ac | Th | Pa | U | Np | Pu | Am | Cm | Bk | Cf | Es | Fm | Md | No | Lr | Rf | Db | Sg | Bh | Hs | Mt | Ds | Rg | Cn | Uut | Fl | Uup | Lv | Uus | Uuo | ||||||||||
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Contents
What is Group 6?
The periodic table organizes all the known chemical elements. It groups them based on their properties. Group 6 is one of these vertical columns. Elements in the same group often have similar ways of reacting with other chemicals.
These elements are all metals. They are generally strong, shiny, and can conduct electricity and heat well.
The Elements of Group 6
Chromium: The Colorful Metal
Chromium (Cr) is a hard, shiny, and silvery metal. It is known for its beautiful colors when it forms compounds. For example, the red color of ruby gemstones comes from tiny amounts of chromium inside them.
Chromium is often used to make things shiny and prevent rust. This process is called "chrome plating." You might see chrome on car parts, bicycle parts, or even kitchen utensils. It is also a key ingredient in stainless steel, which is used for forks, knives, and many other things because it does not rust easily.
Molybdenum: Strong and Useful
Molybdenum (Mo) is a silvery-white metal. It is very strong and has a very high melting point. This makes it useful in places where things get very hot.
Molybdenum is often added to steel to make it even stronger and more resistant to heat. This special steel is used to build parts for airplanes, rockets, and even tools that need to be very tough. It is also important for some living things, like plants and animals, as a tiny nutrient.
Tungsten: Super Strong!
Tungsten (W) is one of the strongest and hardest metals. It has the highest melting point of all metals, meaning it takes extreme heat to turn it into a liquid.
Because of its amazing strength and heat resistance, tungsten is used in many important ways. It is used to make the tiny wires inside old-fashioned light bulbs. It is also used in cutting tools, drill bits, and even in some types of armor. Its strength makes it perfect for things that need to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Seaborgium: A Lab-Made Element
Seaborgium (Sg) is different from the other elements in Group 6. It is a synthetic element, which means it does not exist naturally on Earth. Scientists create it in laboratories using special equipment.
Seaborgium is very unstable and only lasts for a very short time before it changes into other elements. Because it is so rare and short-lived, it does not have any everyday uses. Scientists study elements like seaborgium to learn more about the basic building blocks of the universe.
See also
In Spanish: Elementos del grupo 6 para niños
