Tantalum - Element Properties and Periodic Table Information

Tantalum - An element from the Periodic Table based on the IOUPAC 1985 standard

Chemical Elements

Periodic Table

Definition of the Tantalum Element
A very hard, heavy, gray metallic element that is exceptionally resistant to chemical attack below 150°C. It is used to make light-bulb filaments, electrolytic capacitors, lightning arresters, nuclear reactor parts, and some surgical instruments. The element has a melting point exceeded only by tungsten and rhenium. Tantalum has the most capacitance per volume of any substance.

Origin / Meaning of the name Tantalum
The name originates from King Tantalus, the father of Niobe, in Greek mythology.

Classification of the Tantalum Element
Tantalum is classified as a "Transition Metal" which are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. An Element classified as a Transition Metals is ductile, malleable, and able to conduct electricity and heat.

Facts about the History and the Discovery of the Tantalum Element
Tantalum was discovered by Anders Ekeberg in 1802. The element was isolated in 1820 by Jons Berzelius. The first relatively pure ductile metal was produced  in 1903 by Werner von Bolton.

Occurrence the Tantalum Element
Obtained from the minerals tantalite, euxenite, samarskite, and fergusonite
Mined in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Africa, Portugal, and Thailand.

Associated Uses of Tantalum
Electronic components - Capacitors
Automotive electronics
Jet engine components
Chemical process equipment
Nuclear reactors
Camera lenses
Portable telephones
Pagers
Personal computers
Surgical appliances
Tantalum pentachloride
 

The Properties of the Tantalum Element
Name of Element : Tantalum
Symbol of Element : Ta
Atomic Number of Tantalum : 73
Atomic Mass: 180.9479 amu
Melting Point: 2996.0 °C - 3269.15 °K
Boiling Point: 5425.0 °C - 5698.15 °K
Number of Protons/Electrons in Tantalum : 73
Number of Neutrons in Tantalum : 108
Crystal Structure: Cubic
Density @ 293 K: 16.654 g/cm3
Color of Tantalum : gray

Tantalum and the Periodic Table
Check out Tantalum on the Periodic Table which arranges each chemical element according to its atomic number, as based on the periodic law, so that chemical elements with similar properties are in the same column. Our Periodic Table is simple to use - just click on the symbol for Tantalum for additional information and for an instant comparison of the Atomic Weight, Melting Point, Boiling Point and Mass - G/cc with any other element. An invaluable source of facts and information as a Chemistry reference guide.

Tantalum - IUPAC and the Modern Standardised Periodic Table
The Standardised Periodic Table in use today was agreed by the International Union of Pure Applied Chemistry, IUPAC, in 1985 and now recognises more periods and elements than Dimitri  Mendeleev knew in his day but still all fitting into his concept of  the "Periodic Table" in which Tantalum is just one element that can be found.
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The Element Tantalum

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