Atomic number: 73
Symbol: Ta
Category: transition metal
Density at 25°C: solid: density: 16.69 g·cm−3
Tantalum is really quite inert for a metal, tending not to react too much under ordinary conditions. Though in powdered form it is mostly used in capacitors because it has such a thin protective oxide layer. This makes it very useful for electronic devices like mobile phones and computers.
Chunks of 99.98% tantalum crystal. image: adapted from wikipedia
Use, natural applications or common combinations:
- acid resistant, except HF acid
- surgical instrument and implants
Basic characteristics:
- Standard atomic weight: 180.947 88(2)
- Melting point: 3017 °C
- Boiling point: 5458 °C
- Radioactivity: most naturally stable
- 180mTa may be slightly radioactive but over a very long time 1018 years (m means meta stable)