Ta
180.950Tantalum
Tantal
Tantalum is a corrosion-resistant transition metal with atomic number 73. It is famous for tantalum capacitors, Ta₂O₅ dielectric layers, biocompatible implants, superalloys and the rare long-lived tantalum-180m isomer.
73
180.95 g/mol
[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s²
2 | 8 | 18 | 32 | 11 | 2
1.5
16.69 g/cm³
3016.8 °C
5457.9 °C
Anders Gustaf Ekeberg
Tantalum was discovered in 1802 by Anders Gustaf Ekeberg. It was named after Tantalus from Greek mythology because its minerals resisted dissolution, echoing the myth of unreachable water.
Tantalum-180m
Natural abundance: About 0.012%. Half-life: Longer than 10¹⁶ years. Extremely rare naturally occurring nuclear isomer, effectively stable on human timescales.Tantalum-181
Natural abundance: About 99.988%. Dominant stable natural tantalum isotope.Ta₂O₅
Tantalum(V) OxideDielectric layer in tantalum capacitors and high-refractive-index optical coating.TaC
Tantalum CarbideVery hard refractory ceramic used in cutting tools and coatings.TaCl₅
Tantalum(V) ChloridePrecursor for tantalum compounds and thin-film deposition.LiTaO₃
Lithium TantalateElectro-optic and piezoelectric crystal used in sensors and optical devices.- Tantalum capacitors for compact electronics with high capacitance density
- Ta₂O₅ dielectric films in capacitors and optical coatings
- Biocompatible implants, porous bone materials and surgical components
- High-temperature superalloys for turbine and aerospace parts
- Corrosion-resistant chemical equipment for aggressive acids
Tantalum has no essential biological role, but metallic tantalum is highly biocompatible and corrosion resistant, making it useful in medical implants.
- Tantalum forms a protective oxide film that explains both its corrosion resistance and its capacitor value.
- Coltan ores contain tantalum and niobium minerals, which is why tantalum supply chains are often discussed in conflict-mineral contexts.
- Tantalum-180m is one of the strangest naturally occurring nuclides because it is a very long-lived excited nuclear state.
- Tantalum is resistant to many acids, but hydrofluoric acid can attack it.
- Tantalum has atomic number 73 and is a group 5 transition metal.
- Its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s².
- The common oxidation state is +5.
- Remember Ta₂O₅ for capacitors and tantalum metal for corrosion-resistant, biocompatible implants.
What is the atomic number of tantalum?
The atomic number of tantalum is 73.
What is the electron configuration of tantalum?
Tantalum has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s².
What is tantalum used for?
Tantalum is used in capacitors, medical implants, corrosion-resistant equipment, superalloys and hard carbide materials.
Why is tantalum used in capacitors?
A thin Ta₂O₅ oxide layer acts as a stable dielectric, allowing high capacitance in small electronic components.
Is tantalum biocompatible?
Yes. Metallic tantalum is highly corrosion resistant and generally biocompatible, so it is used in some surgical and bone implant materials.
What is tantalum-180m?
Tantalum-180m is a rare, extremely long-lived nuclear isomer that occurs naturally in tiny amounts.