Tantalum-Properties And Applications

Tantalum is a chemical element with the symbol ‘Ta’ and atomic number 73. It is a rare, hard, blue-gray, lustrous transition metal that is highly resistant to corrosion.

Tantalum was discovered in 1802 by Anders Ekeberg, and its name comes from Tantalus, a Greek mythological figure. Tantalum is commonly used in various industries due to its unique properties.

Period in the periodic table	Value
Name	Tantalum
Symbol	Ta
Atomic number	73
Relative atomic mass (Ar)	180.94788
Standard state	Solid at 298 K
Appearance	Grey blue
Classification	Metallic
Group in periodic table	5
Group name	(none)
Group in the periodic table	6
Block in periodic table	d
Shell structure	2.8.18.32.11.2
CAS Registry	7440-25-7

Physical Properties

Tantalum is a dense, ductile, and very hard metal that has a melting point of 2,996 °C, which is one of the highest among metals. It is also highly resistant to corrosion, which makes it an ideal material for use in harsh environments. Tantalum is also a good conductor of heat and electricity.

Chemical Properties

Tantalum is a reactive element that readily forms compounds with other elements. It has a single oxidation state of +5 and forms stable oxides that are highly resistant to corrosion. Tantalum compounds are used in a variety of applications, including capacitors, superalloys, and surgical implants.

Electronic Configuration of Tantalum

Tantalum (Ta) has 73 electrons. electronic configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁶ 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s² or [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s².

Electronic Configuration of Tantalum via Bohr Model

Electronic Configuration of Tantalum via Aufbau Principle

Facts

• Tantalum was discovered in 1802 by Anders Ekeberg, and its name comes from Tantalus, a Greek mythological figure.
• Tantalum is one of the most corrosion-resistant metals, which makes it an ideal material for use in harsh environments.
• Tantalum is commonly used in capacitors, superalloys, and surgical implants due to its unique properties.

Applications

Tantalum has a wide range of applications due to its unique properties. Some of its common uses include:

• Capacitors: Tantalum capacitors are commonly used in electronic devices, such as smartphones and laptops, due to their high capacitance and reliability.
• Superalloys: Tantalum is used in the production of superalloys, which are high-performance alloys used in aerospace and other industries due to their strength and resistance to heat and corrosion.
• Surgical implants: Tantalum is a biocompatible material that is used in the production of surgical implants, such as hip and knee replacements.
• Nuclear reactors: Tantalum is used as a cladding material in nuclear reactors due to its high melting point and resistance to corrosion.

Tantalum is a versatile and valuable metal that is commonly used in capacitors, superalloys, surgical implants, and nuclear reactors. Its unique properties, such as its high resistance to corrosion and biocompatibility, make it an important material for a variety of applications.

Tantalum’s discovery and naming after a Greek mythological figure also add to its historical and cultural significance.