Atomic Number
73
Element 73
Tantalum (Ta)
Tantalum is a chemical element with symbol Ta and atomic number 73. A rare, hard, blue-gray, lustrous transition metal, tantalum is highly corrosion-resistant.
Atomic Mass
180.95 u
Category
Transition Metal
Period
6
Group
Group 5: vanadium group
Phase
solid
Density
16.69 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2
Atomic Structure
Protons: 73. Electrons: 73. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d³
Why Tantalum Matters
Tantalum helps connect atomic number 73, transition metal behavior, period 6 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 180.95 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁶ 6s² 4f¹⁴ 5d³ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Tantalum was discovered 1802 by Anders Gustaf Ekeberg. Tantalum is a chemical element with symbol Ta and atomic number 73. A rare, hard, blue-gray, lustrous transition metal, tantalum is highly corrosion-resistant.
Safety and Handling Context
Tantalum is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Tantalum?
- Tantalum has atomic number 73, which means a neutral atom has 73 protons and 73 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Tantalum?
- The chemical symbol for Tantalum is Ta.
- What category is Tantalum in?
- Tantalum is classified as a transition metal and sits in period 6 of the periodic table.
Explore Tantalum in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Tantalum to neighboring elements without losing your place.