Tantalum (Ta)
Tantalum (Ta, element 73) is a transition metal in group 5, period 6. Atomic mass 180.948, electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s², uses and facts.
About Tantalum
Tantalum is a transition metal with the symbol Ta and atomic number 73. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 5, period 6 of the periodic table. Tantalum was discovered in 1802 by Anders Gustaf Ekeberg.
Tantalum key facts
- Atomic number: 73
- Symbol: Ta
- Atomic mass: 180.948 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 5
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.5
- Melting point: 3290 K (3016.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 5731 K (5457.85 °C)
- Density: 16.69 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −3, −1, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4, +5
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of tantalum is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of tantalum
- Capacitors (electronics)
- Surgical implants
- Cutting tools
Did you know?
Tantalum is biocompatible and corrosion-resistant, used in surgical implants that last a lifetime.
Other elements in group 5 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of tantalum?
The atomic number of tantalum is 73, which means every tantalum atom has 73 protons.
What is the electron configuration of tantalum?
The electron configuration of tantalum is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s².
What group and period is tantalum in?
Tantalum is a transition metal in group 5, period 6.
What state is tantalum at room temperature?
Tantalum is a solid at room temperature.
What is tantalum used for?
Tantalum is used for capacitors (electronics), surgical implants, cutting tools.