Chromium, molybdenum and tungsten are all of great importance in a variety of industries. Chromium is a constituent of stainless steels, which are extremely resistant to corrosion, and widely used both in industry and in domestic items such as cooking utensils. Chromium plating gives a surface that is both attractive and protective.
Like chromium, molybdenum is also used in stainless steels. Such alloys are strong and resistant to corrosion at high temperatures, and are employed in aircraft parts and electric heater filaments.
Tungsten too is used as a filament; it is the standard material employed in electric light bulbs. With a melting point even higher than that of molybdenum, tungsten is also used in the production of heat-resistant alloys. All three members of the group are valuable because of their high melting points and general resistance to corrosion.
