Tantalum (Ta)
Transition metal
Tantalum is the reason smartphones are small: its oxide layer stores charge so efficiently that tantalum capacitors pack maximum capacitance into minimum space. It is also completely body-inert, ideal for implants.
Position on the periodic table
Atomic properties
| Atomic number | 73 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 180.948 amu |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d3 |
| Noble gas shorthand | [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2 |
| Valence electrons (outer shell) | 2 |
| Common oxidation states | +5 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.5 |
| Covalent radius (approx.) | 170 pm |
| First ionization energy | 761 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 31 kJ/mol |
Physical properties
| State at 25 °C | Solid |
|---|---|
| Density | 16.69 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 3016.8 °C (3290 K) |
| Boiling point | 5457.9 °C (5731 K) |
| Appearance | gray blue |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | Occurs naturally |
Electron configuration of tantalum
Tantalum's ground-state electron configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d3, usually shortened to [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2. Its electrons occupy 6 shells (2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2), placing it in period 6 of the d-block. Explore it interactively in the electron configuration calculator.
Uses of tantalum
- Miniature capacitors for phones and laptops
- Surgical implants and bone plates
- Chemical plant linings
- Superalloy additions
Biological role: None — but exceptionally biocompatible.
Occurrence: Mined as tantalite/coltan, mainly in Africa, Brazil and Australia.
Common compounds of tantalum
Ta2O5
Tantalum pentoxide
History and discovery
Discovered: 1802 — Anders Gustaf Ekeberg. Name origin: From Tantalus of Greek myth, condemned to stand in water he could never drink — the metal 'cannot absorb' acid.
Anders Gustaf Ekeberg discovered tantalum in 1802; confusion with niobium took decades to resolve.
Safety notes
Inert and safe in bulk; conflict-mineral sourcing is the main ethical concern.
Educational context only — always follow your school's laboratory rules and never handle chemicals without proper supervision. See our disclaimer.
Practice questions
Quick practice: Tantalum
1. What is the chemical symbol of Tantalum?
2. What is the atomic number of Tantalum?
3. Which category does Tantalum belong to?
4. What is the state of Tantalum at room temperature?
5. Which period of the periodic table is Tantalum in?
Tantalum FAQs
What is the atomic number of tantalum?
Tantalum's atomic number is 73 — every tantalum atom has 73 protons in its nucleus.
What is the symbol for tantalum?
Ta. From Tantalus of Greek myth, condemned to stand in water he could never drink — the metal 'cannot absorb' acid.
Is tantalum a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Tantalum is classified as a transition metal.
What state is tantalum at room temperature?
At about 25 °C, tantalum is a solid. It melts at 3016.8 °C.
What is tantalum used for?
Key uses include: miniature capacitors for phones and laptops; surgical implants and bone plates; chemical plant linings.
Related elements
Keep working with this element
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