Tantalum (Ta)
Transition metal · d-block · period 6 · group 5
Hard, blue-grey, very dense, lustrous metal.
Tantalum (symbol Ta) is chemical element number 73, a transition metal in group 5, period 6 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 180.95 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2. At room temperature it is a solid. Named after Tantalus for its 'tantalising' refusal to absorb acid.
Properties
| Atomic number | 73 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 180.95 |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Block | d-block |
| Group · Period | 5 · 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 3290 K |
| Boiling point | 5731 K |
| Density | 16.69 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.5 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1802 · Anders Gustaf Ekeberg |
Key facts about Tantalum
- Named after Tantalus for its 'tantalising' refusal to absorb acid.
- Almost completely immune to attack by body fluids, so it is used for implants and surgical clips.
- Tantalum capacitors are tiny and reliable — most phones and laptops contain several.
- One of the most corrosion-resistant metals known.
What Tantalum is used for
Miniature capacitors in electronics, surgical implants, chemical-plant linings, hard cutting-tool carbides, superalloys.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Tantalum is in group 5, period 6, of the d-block. Its electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Tantalum on the interactive table →
Tantalum — frequently asked questions
What is Tantalum used for?
Miniature capacitors in electronics, surgical implants, chemical-plant linings, hard cutting-tool carbides, superalloys.
Is Tantalum radioactive?
No. Tantalum has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Tantalum?
Tantalum has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2, which is 2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Tantalum in?
Tantalum is in group 5, period 6, in the d-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Tantalum?
Tantalum was discovered in 1802 by Anders Gustaf Ekeberg.