Tantalum (Ta)

General Information

• Symbol: Ta
• Atomic Number: 73
• Atomic Weight: 180.94788 u
• Element Category: Transition metal
• Group: 5
• Period: 6
• Block: d-block

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Grayish-blue metallic
• Density: 16.69 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 3017 °C (5463 °F)
• Boiling Point: 5458 °C (9856 °F)
• Phase at STP: Solid
• Electron Configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s²
• Oxidation States: +5 (most common), +4, +3

Chemical Properties

• Reactivity: Highly resistant to corrosion due to the formation of a protective oxide layer on its surface. Reacts with halogens and other non-metals at high temperatures.
• Compounds: Forms compounds such as tantalum(V) oxide (Ta₂O₅), tantalum(V) chloride (TaCl₅), and tantalum carbide (TaC).

Uses and Applications

• Electronics: Widely used in the production of capacitors for electronic devices due to its high capacitance and stability.
• Aerospace and Turbines: Used in high-temperature alloys for aerospace and turbine components because of its strength and heat resistance.
• Medical Devices: Utilized in surgical instruments, implants, and other medical devices due to its biocompatibility and resistance to bodily fluids.
• Chemical Processing: Employed in equipment used for chemical processing and handling corrosive substances.
• Nuclear Reactors: Used in nuclear reactors for its ability to withstand high temperatures and corrosion.

Occurrence and Extraction

• Natural Occurrence: Found in minerals such as tantalite [(Fe,Mn)Ta₂O₆] and columbite. Often occurs with niobium.
• Extraction: Extracted through complex processes including solvent extraction and reduction using sodium or carbon in the presence of an electric arc.

Isotopes

• Stable Isotopes: Tantalum-181
• Radioactive Isotopes: Tantalum-180m (a metastable isotope used in scientific research)

Safety and Handling

• Hazards: Generally considered to be of low toxicity; however, fine tantalum dust can be a fire and explosion hazard.
• Precautions: Handle with care using appropriate protective equipment, especially when dealing with fine powders or high-temperature applications.

History

• Discovery: Discovered by Anders Gustaf Ekeberg in 1802.
• Name Origin: Named after Tantalus, a character from Greek mythology, due to the element’s resistance to acids.

Additional Facts

• Crystal Structure: Body-centered cubic (bcc)
• Magnetic Properties: Paramagnetic
• Thermal Conductivity: Moderate, about 57.5 W/m·K
• Electrical Resistivity: About 131 nΩ·m at room temperature

Summary

Tantalum is a highly corrosion-resistant transition metal with significant applications in electronics, aerospace, medical devices, chemical processing, and nuclear reactors. It is found in minerals such as tantalite and columbite and extracted through complex processes. Tantalum’s high melting point, biocompatibility, and stability make it valuable in various high-tech and industrial applications.

40 Question and Answer Pairs About Tantalum

1. What is the atomic number of Tantalum?

   • 73

2. What is the symbol for Tantalum?

   • Ta

3. What is the atomic weight of Tantalum?

   • 180.94788 u

4. In which group of the periodic table is Tantalum found?

   • Group 5

5. What period is Tantalum in?

   • Period 6

6. What block does Tantalum belong to?

   • d-block

7. What is the melting point of Tantalum?

   • 3017 °C (5463 °F)

8. What is the boiling point of Tantalum?

   • 5458 °C (9856 °F)

9. What is the density of Tantalum?

   • 16.69 g/cm³

10. What is the electron configuration of Tantalum?

    • [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s²

11. What are the common oxidation states of Tantalum?

    • +5, +4, +3

12. What is the appearance of Tantalum?

    • Grayish-blue metallic

13. Is Tantalum reactive with air?

    • No, it forms a protective oxide layer that resists corrosion.

14. Name a compound of Tantalum.

    • Tantalum(V) oxide (Ta₂O₅)

15. What is a common use of Tantalum in electronics?

    • Used in the production of capacitors for electronic devices.

16. How is Tantalum used in aerospace?

    • In high-temperature alloys for aerospace components.

17. What role does Tantalum play in medical devices?

    • Used in surgical instruments and implants for its biocompatibility.

18. How is Tantalum used in chemical processing?

    • In equipment for handling corrosive substances.

19. What application does Tantalum have in nuclear reactors?

    • Used for its high-temperature and corrosion resistance.

20. Name a mineral that contains Tantalum.

    • Tantalite [(Fe,Mn)Ta₂O₆]

21. How is Tantalum extracted from ores?

    • Through solvent extraction and reduction using sodium or carbon.

22. What is the most stable isotope of Tantalum?

    • Tantalum-181

23. Name a radioactive isotope of Tantalum used in research.

    • Tantalum-180m

24. What safety hazard is associated with fine Tantalum dust?

    • It can be a fire and explosion hazard.

25. Who discovered Tantalum?

    • Anders Gustaf Ekeberg

26. Where does the name Tantalum come from?

    • Named after Tantalus from Greek mythology.

27. What is the crystal structure of Tantalum?

    • Body-centered cubic (bcc)

28. Is Tantalum paramagnetic or diamagnetic?

    • Paramagnetic

29. What is the thermal conductivity of Tantalum?

    • About 57.5 W/m·K

30. What is the electrical resistivity of Tantalum at room temperature?

    • About 131 nΩ·m

31. What is the primary oxidation state of Tantalum?

    • +5

32. Is Tantalum found as a free element in nature?

    • No, it is found in minerals like tantalite.

33. What is the common name of Tantalum carbide?

    • TaC

34. What is a major application of Tantalum chloride (TaCl₅)?

    • Used in the production of Tantalum-based catalysts.

35. How does Tantalum benefit capacitors in electronics?

    • Provides high capacitance and stability.

36. What is the boiling point of Tantalum in Kelvin?

    • 5731 K

37. What group does Tantalum belong to in the periodic table?

    • Transition metals

38. What is the natural abundance of Tantalum-181?

    • Nearly 100%

39. Can Tantalum be used in high-temperature applications?

    • Yes, due to its high melting point and stability.

40. What is the key property that makes Tantalum valuable in medical devices?

    • Its biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion.