Element 73 · Transition metal
Tantalum (Ta) — Element 73
Tantalus of Greek myth
Tantalum (Ta) is a transition metal in Period 6, Group 5 of the periodic table with atomic number 73, standard atomic weight 180.95 u, and ground-state electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s². At standard temperature and pressure it is classified as a solid with 5 valence electrons and common oxidation states +5.
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What are the atomic properties and physical constants of Tantalum?
Reference constants compiled from IUPAC standard atomic weights, the NIST Atomic Spectra Database, and the CRC Handbook.
- Atomic number (Z)
- 73
- Standard atomic mass
- 180.95 u
- Chemical family
- Transition metal
- Ground-state configuration
- [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s²
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2
- Valence electrons
- 5
- Common ion charges / oxidation states
- +5
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Pauling electronegativity
- 1.50 Pauling
- First ionization energy
- 761 kJ/mol
- Atomic radius
- 200 pm
- Melting point
- 3,017 °C
- Boiling point
- 5,458 °C
- Discovery year
- 1802
- Table coordinate
- Period 6, Group 5
- Radioactivity
- Has stable isotope(s)
How are electrons arranged across Tantalum’s shells?
A neutral Tantalum atom contains 73 electrons distributed across 6 occupied principal energy shells ([Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s²). The table below compares Tantalum’s shell occupancy against each shell’s theoretical 2n² capacity.
| Principal Shell (n) | Spectroscopic Letter | Electrons in Ta | Max Shell Capacity (2n²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| n = 1 | K | 2 e⁻ | 2 e⁻ |
| n = 2 | L | 8 e⁻ | 8 e⁻ |
| n = 3 | M | 18 e⁻ | 18 e⁻ |
| n = 4 | N | 32 e⁻ | 32 e⁻ |
| n = 5 | O | 11 e⁻ | 50 e⁻ |
| n = 6 | P | 2 e⁻ | 72 e⁻ |
Frequently Asked Questions about Tantalum (Ta)
What is the atomic mass and atomic number of Tantalum (Ta)?
Tantalum (Ta) has atomic number Z = 73 (73 protons in its nucleus) and an IUPAC standard atomic weight of 180.95 u. It sits in Period 6, Group 5 and is classified as a transition metal.
What is the ground-state electron configuration of Tantalum?
The neutral ground-state electron configuration of Tantalum (Z = 73) is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d³ 6s². Across its 6 occupied principal shells (n = 1 to n = 6), the electrons per shell are 2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2, with 5 valence electrons participating in bonding.
What are the common ion charges and electronegativity of Tantalum?
Tantalum commonly forms +5 oxidation states or ion charges in compounds. Its Pauling electronegativity is 1.50 and its first ionization energy is 761 kJ/mol.
When was Tantalum discovered and what is it used for?
Tantalum was discovered in 1802 (Tantalus of Greek myth). Capacitors, surgical implants
How does Tantalum compare to neighboring elements?
Other transition metal elements: