73Ta180.95
Tantalum
Transition metalsHard, shiny metals that conduct heat and electricity well and often form coloured compounds.
[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s²
- Atomic number
- 73
- Atomic mass
- 180.95
- Protons
- 73
- Neutrons
- 108 (most common)
- Electrons
- 73
- Shells
- 2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2
- State at 25 °C
- Solid
- Position
- Group 5, period 6
Proton (+)Neutron (0)Electron (−)
Discovered byAnders Gustaf Ekeberg, 1802Anders Gustaf Ekeberg: 1 element
Named after Tantalus from Greek myth, because it couldn't “drink” acid: it resists corrosion.
Did you know?
- It barely corrodes, even in strong acids.
- Almost every phone contains a little tantalum.
Where it's found
- Coltan ore
What it's used for
- Tiny capacitors in phones and laptops
- Surgical implants
Try it
There's no safe home experiment for Tantalum. Explore it with the animated atom above instead.