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Tantalum (Ta) – Element 73 of the periodic table

Tantalum (symbol Ta) is element number 73 of the periodic table and belongs to the “Transition metal” category. Its atomic mass is about 180.95, and its phase under standard conditions is Solid. This element sits in period 6 and group 5 of the periodic table, and its electrons are arranged in shells of 2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2. The short electron configuration of Tantalum is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s². Known uses of Tantalum include Electronics, Surgical instruments and Space structures.

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Properties of Tantalum

Atomic number
73
Chemical symbol
Ta
Atomic mass
180.95
Category
Transition metal
Period
6
Group
5
Phase
Solid
Protons
73
Electrons
73
Neutrons (approx.)
108
Electron shells
2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2
Outer-shell electrons
2
Discovered
Anders Gustaf Ekeberg (1802)

Electron configuration of Tantalum

The electron configuration of Tantalum (Ta), with 73 electrons, is shown below. The last shell (shell 6) is highlighted:

Full configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 4f¹⁴ 5s² 5p⁶ 5d³ 6s²
Short configuration
[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s²
Last shell
6s²

What is electron configuration and how is it written?

Electron shells of Tantalum

Distribution of 73 electrons of Tantalum across shells K to P:

  1. K2
  2. L8
  3. M18
  4. N32
  5. O11
  6. P2

What is a transition metal?

The transition metals are the d-block elements: usually good conductors of heat and electricity, with several oxidation states, and they form colourful compounds and important catalysts.

Uses of Tantalum

Frequently asked questions about Tantalum

What is the atomic number of Tantalum?

The atomic number of Tantalum (Ta) is 73; that is, every atom of it has 73 protons.

What is the electron configuration of Tantalum?

The electron configuration of Tantalum (Ta) is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 4f¹⁴ 5s² 5p⁶ 5d³ 6s²; in short form it is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s², and its last shell is 6s².

What is the chemical symbol of Tantalum?

The chemical symbol of Tantalum is Ta.

Where is Tantalum located in the periodic table?

Tantalum is located in period 6 and group 5 and belongs to the “Transition metal” category.

What is the atomic mass of Tantalum?

The atomic mass of Tantalum is about 180.95 (atomic mass units).

What is the phase of Tantalum under normal conditions?

The phase of Tantalum under standard conditions is Solid.

What are the uses of Tantalum?

Uses of Tantalum include Electronics, Surgical instruments and Space structures.

Who discovered Tantalum?

Tantalum was discovered by Anders Gustaf Ekeberg in 1802.

Elements in the same category as Tantalum (Transition metal)

Zirconium (Zr)Niobium (Nb)Molybdenum (Mo)Technetium (Tc)Ruthenium (Ru)Rhodium (Rh)Palladium (Pd)Silver (Ag)Cadmium (Cd)Hafnium (Hf)Tungsten (W)Rhenium (Re)Osmium (Os)Iridium (Ir)Platinum (Pt)Gold (Au)Mercury (Hg)Rutherfordium (Rf)Dubnium (Db)Seaborgium (Sg)

See all Transition metals

Tantalum’s group 5 neighbours

Vanadium (V)Niobium (Nb)Dubnium (Db)

Group 5 of the periodic table