Final answer:
An important feature of a tungsten electrode is its high melting point, making it suitable for high-temperature applications such as in x-ray tubes. Tungsten's robustness is due to its transition metal properties, including high density and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The important feature of a tungsten electrode is that it has a high melting point. Tungsten's high melting point of 3422°C is essential in its applications such as serving as an anode material in x-ray tubes. The material needs to withstand extremely high temperatures due to the energy absorption from impinging electrons without melting. This capability is directly related to the element's large photon energy which is typical for characteristic x-rays from heavy elements like tungsten and results from the inner-shell electrons' tight binding.
Furthermore, tungsten is categorized among the transition metals, notable for their high melting points and density. They conduct heat and electricity well, which are essential properties for electrodes used in high-temperature environments. Due to tungsten's high melting point, its attributes make it an exceptional choice for use in applications requiring resilience to extreme heat and electric conductivity.