About

Tantalum is a rare, hard, blue-gray transition metal that is highly corrosion-resistant and has a high melting point. Its main use is in producing tantalum electrolytic capacitors, which are small, reliable, and essential components in modern electronics like mobile phones, laptops, and automotive systems. Its inertness also makes it useful for medical implants.

Atomic Properties

Atomic Number73

Atomic Weight180.948 u

Neutrons (common)108

Electron Configuration[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s²

Full Configuration1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁶ 4d¹⁰ 4f¹⁴ 5s² 5p⁶ 5d³ 6s²

Electrons per Shell2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2

Electronegativity1.5

Electron Affinity31 kJ/mol

Oxidation States+5, +4, +3, +2

Covalent Radius138 pm

Ionic Radius64 pm

Periodic Table Position

Group5

Period6

BlockD

Chemical SeriesTransition metals

Physical Properties

State at STPsolid

AppearanceHard, blue-gray, lustrous metal

Crystal Structurebcc

Magnetic Orderingparamagnetic

Speed of Sound3,400 m/s

Poisson Ratio0.34

Thermal Properties

Melting Point3,290 K

Boiling Point5,731 K

Thermal Expansion0 1/K

Thermal Conductivity57.5 W/(m·K)

Specific Heat0.14 J/(g·K)

Molar Heat25.36 J/(mol·K)

Heat of Fusion32 kJ/mol

Heat of Vaporization735 kJ/mol

Abundance

In Earth's Crust2 ppm

In Ocean0 ppm

In Solar System0 ppm

In Universe0 ppm

Discovery

Discovered byAnders Gustaf Ekeberg

Discovery Year1,802

Occurrenceprimordial

CAS Number7440-25-7

Electron Configuration

Energy

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Isotopes of Tantalum

Symbol ▲	Mass (u) ▲	Abundance ▲	Half-life ▲	Decay Mode ▲
¹⁸⁰Ta	179.947460	0.012%	STABLE	Electron Capture, Beta Minus Decay
¹⁸¹Ta	180.947990	99.988%	Stable	Stable

Interactive Visualization

Explore the 3D Bohr model of Tantalum in our interactive viewer.

View 3D Model of Tantalum