The chemical element symbol for tungsten is W because it is derived from its alternate name, which is wolfram. This name originates from the mineral wolframite, which is one of the primary sources of tungsten.
Tungsten was first discovered in 1783 by two Swedish chemists, Carl Wilhelm Scheele and Johan Gottlieb Gahn. They obtained the element from wolframite and named it after its source mineral. The symbol W comes from the first letter of the name wolfram. This naming convention is common in chemistry, where symbols often reflect historical or etymological connections to the element.
In addition to its name origin, tungsten has some notable properties, such as its high melting point and density, making it valuable for various industrial applications, including light bulb filaments and military equipment. Understanding these origins not only helps in remembering the symbol but also provides insight into the element’s practical importance.