Identify the hardest metal

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ISRO SDSC Technical Assistant Mechanical 12 Feb 2017 Official Paper
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  1. Iron
  2. Platinum
  3. Tungsten
  4. Diamond

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Tungsten
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Detailed Solution

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Concept:

  • The hardness of the mineral is defined on Moh's scale of hardness. On this scale, a mineral is rated between 1-10 on the basis of its strength.
  • It is used to rate the hardness of a variety of substances and elements, not only metals. The softest materials it rates are assigned a rating of 1; the hardest earn a rating of 10.​ 

Explanation:

The Moh's scale of different minerals shown below -

  • Tungsten is the hardest metal. ∴ Option 4 is correct.
  • Platinum is a less hard metal. That's why it is used in Jewellery. It can make intricate designs. It is highly ductile.
  • The name Tungsten originates from the Swedish name tungsten meaning heavy stone.
  • Hardness is the ability to scratch making a dent on the surface of the metal. It is just a number measured using (Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers test)  Of which Brinell is most accurate.
  • Gold: 25 Mpa
  • Platinum: 40 Mpa
  • Tungsten: 310 Mpa
  • Iron: 150  Mpa
  • Diamond: 10000 Mpa (Non-metal)
  • It is a chemical element with atomic number 74 that has the highest tensile strength of all the metals present in the world. Its symbol is  "W"
  • When combined with carbon, tungsten becomes stronger and even more durable. Tungsten carbide is the end product of mixing tungsten with carbon. Tungsten carbide is 4 times stronger than platinum with a hardness rating of 9 on the Mohs scale, softer only than diamond.
  • From the above, 310 > 40, So, Tungsten is harder than Platinum.

Additional Information

  • The Youngs Modulus value of Tungsten is 34.48 × 1010 Pa and 
  • The Youngs Modulus value of Platinum is 14.48 × 1010 Pa 

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