Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Tantalum exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the transition metal family, governed by an electronegativity of 1.5 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 73Transition Metal
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabTantalum
Ta
Standard Atomic Mass: 180.95 u
Period 6Group 5D-Block
Chemical Specimen/Ta
Concentric Electron Shells6 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 32e⁻→
n=5: 11e⁻→
n=6: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Transition Metal
3D Atom SimulatorTantalum (Ta) Scientific Profile
Tantalum (Ta) is an element with atomic number 73, classified as a transition metal. Positioned in Period 6, Group 5, and D-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Xe]4f¹⁴5d³6s²) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Tantalum
3D Orbitals & Valence Lab
Simulate concentric quantum energy levels, observe valence electron spins, and examine live atomic clouds in full 3D.
Electronic Configuration Lab
Experiment with Aufbau subshell ordering, explore orbital occupancy, and analyze quantum configuration exceptions.
Electron Config
[Xe]4f¹⁴5d³6s²
Electronegativity
1.5 Pauling
Year Discovered
Ancient Era
Orbital Shells
6 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
d-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 5 • P: 6
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Tantalum is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Tantalum does not play a prominent biological role in human biochemistry, existing primarily as a trace element or mineral component in natural ecosystems.
Geochemistry & Abundance
Cosmic & Terrestrial Occurrence
Elements like Tantalum are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Tantalum is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tantalum
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Tantalum?
Tantalum (Ta) has an atomic number of 73 and a standard atomic mass of 180.95 u. It is positioned in Period 6, Group 5, in the D-block, and is classified within the Transition Metal category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Tantalum?
The ground-state electron configuration of Tantalum is [Xe]4f¹⁴5d³6s². Its 73 electrons are distributed across 6 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2).
Q
Why does Tantalum exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Tantalum follows standard Aufbau principle orbital filling. Transition metals and heavy elements optimize their shell filling based on subshell exchange energy and electrostatic stability.
Q
What are the primary commercial and laboratory uses of Tantalum?
Tantalum is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.