Tantalum (Ta): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Tantalum is element 73 on the periodic table, a transition metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DTantalum quick facts
| Atomic number | 73 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ta |
| Atomic mass | 180.948 |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 5, period 6 |
| Block | d-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2 |
| Discovered | 1802, Ekeberg |
What is tantalum used for?
- Capacitors in smartphones & electronics
- Surgical implants & bone repair plates
- Chemical reactor linings
Interesting facts about tantalum
- Many smartphones use tantalum capacitors, prized for packing high capacitance into a tiny space
- Named after the mythological Tantalus, eternally surrounded by food and water he couldn't reach
- The Democratic Republic of Congo produces much of the world's tantalum (as "coltan")
Tantalum was discovered in 1802 by Ekeberg in Sweden.
Where tantalum sits on the periodic table
Tantalum is in group 5, period 6. Tap any element to open its page.
Other transition metals
Tantalum questions
What is the atomic number of tantalum?
Tantalum has atomic number 73, so every tantalum atom has 73 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Ta and its atomic mass is 180.948.
Is tantalum a metal?
Tantalum is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 5, period 6.
What is the electron configuration of tantalum?
The electron configuration of tantalum is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s². Its electrons sit in 6 shells: 2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2.
What is tantalum used for?
Tantalum is used for capacitors in smartphones & electronics, surgical implants & bone repair plates and chemical reactor linings.
Who discovered tantalum?
Tantalum was discovered in 1802 by Ekeberg in Sweden.
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