Periodic table / Tantalum

Overview

Tantalum is a chemical element with symbol Ta and atomic number 73. Previously known as tantalium, its name comes from Tantalus, an antihero from Greek mythology. Tantalum is a rare, hard, blue-gray, lustrous transition metal that is highly corrosion-resistant.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Tantalum is [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2.

Physical and chemical properties

Tantalum is classified as a transition metal. It has an atomic mass of 180.948 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as gray blue.

Real-world uses of Tantalum

As a transition metal, Tantalum is typically used in alloys, industrial manufacturing, electronics, or as a catalyst in chemical reactions.

Interesting facts about Tantalum

• Tantalum has the atomic number 73 and chemical symbol Ta.
• It belongs to period 6, group 5 of the periodic table.
• Tantalum was discovered by Anders Gustaf Ekeberg.

Explore Tantalum interactively

Want to compare Tantalum with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Ta to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.