Elements

Electron configuration of Tantalum (Ta)

Read the Tantalum electron configuration, noble-gas shorthand, valence shell, orbital filling logic, and the mistakes to avoid when writing Ta.

Guide: Guía práctica Read: 6 min Updated: 2026-07-07

Element guide

Electron configuration of Tantalum (Ta)

The electron configuration of Tantalum is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 4f14 5s2 5p6 5d3 6s2. In shorthand form it is written as [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2.

Use this page to connect the notation with atomic number 73, the d-block, and the valence pattern 5d3 6s2.

How to write the configuration

Configuration at a glance

Tantalum has atomic number 73, so a neutral atom has 73 electrons. The configuration includes the filled 4f14 lanthanide core plus three electrons in the 5d subshell and two in the 6s subshell.

The shorthand [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2 keeps the notation manageable by replacing the xenon core. The 4f14 is written explicitly because it follows xenon in the filling order.

Step-by-step filling

After the xenon core (54 electrons), 19 more electrons need placement. Following the Aufbau sequence: 6s fills first, then the 14 lanthanide electrons fill the 4f subshell, and finally the remaining 3 electrons go into 5d.

Step-by-step filling walkthrough: 1. Start with atomic number 73. 2. Fill through xenon: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p6 (54 electrons). 3. Fill 6s2 (56 electrons total). 4. Fill 4f14 (70 electrons total — the lanthanide series from Ce to Lu). 5. Place 3 electrons in 5d orbitals (73 electrons total). 6. The three 5d electrons occupy separate orbitals (Hund's rule), giving Ta three unpaired electrons.

Standard filling, no exceptions

Unlike Niobium (its period 5 congener in group 5), Tantalum follows the standard Aufbau pattern without exceptions. Ta has [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2, which is exactly what the Aufbau principle predicts. This contrasts with Nb, which has the anomalous [Kr] 4d4 5s1.

The difference arises because the 5d-6s energy gap in period 6 is larger than the 4d-5s gap in period 5, making s-to-d electron promotion less favorable.

Common mistakes

The first mistake is assuming Ta has the same exception as Nb. It does NOT — Ta follows the standard d3 s2 pattern. The second mistake is miscounting the 4f electrons: the lanthanide series adds exactly 14 electrons between 6s and 5d.

Another common error is writing the shorthand as [Xe] 5d3 6s2 without including 4f14. The 4f subshell is part of the core for Ta but is often written in shorthand for clarity.

Tantalum reference table

Item Value
Atomic number 73
Full configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 4f14 5s2 5p6 5d3 6s2
Noble-gas notation [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2
Valence clue 5d3 6s2
Block d-block

Use the table as a learning reference, then verify advanced oxidation-state questions with your course material.

Before you submit an answer

  • The superscripts add up to 73 for a neutral Tantalum atom.
  • The notation follows the filling order used in your course.
  • The last occupied subshell matches the periodic-table block.
  • Any transition-metal or actinide exception is checked against a reference.
  • The shorthand core is a noble gas, not a random previous element.

Common questions

What is the electron configuration of Tantalum?

The neutral Tantalum atom is written as 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 4f14 5s2 5p6 5d3 6s2. The shorthand form is [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2.

Does Tantalum have an Aufbau exception like Niobium?

No. Unlike Nb ([Kr] 4d4 5s1), Tantalum follows the standard pattern: [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2. The 5d-6s energy gap in period 6 is larger, so s-to-d promotion is not energetically favorable.

How many valence electrons does Tantalum have?

Start from the outer-shell clue 5d3 6s2. For transition metals, inspect both s and d electrons carefully. Tantalum has 5 valence electrons.

What is Tantalum used for?

Tantalum is used in electronic capacitors, surgical implants, and high-temperature alloys. Its chemical inertness and high melting point (3017°C) make it valuable for specialized applications.

Study notes and practice checks

From answer to understanding

Tantalum is notable for its extreme corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Its 5d3 6s2 configuration gives it a stable +5 oxidation state (like Nb), but with a standard Aufbau pattern unlike Nb.

Practice comparison

Compare Tantalum (Ta) with Niobium (Nb) and Vanadium (V). V: [Ar] 3d3 4s2, Nb: [Kr] 4d4 5s1 (exception), Ta: [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2. The contrast between Nb (exception) vs V and Ta (standard) is a common exam topic.

Teacher and self-study notes

Group 5 is an interesting case study in periodic trends: the first (V) and third (Ta) members follow the expected d3 s2 pattern, but the middle member (Nb) has the d4 s1 exception. This is a good example of how period 5 shows more Aufbau anomalies than periods 4 or 6.

Elena Marquez

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Elena Marquez

Chemistry educator and study-guide editor

Elena explains electron configurations, orbital diagrams, and periodic trends for learners who need clear steps before memorization. Her guides focus on counting, notation, and common classroom mistakes.

Credenciales: Editorial specialization in introductory chemistry, periodic trends, and student reference material.

Experiencia: More than eight years preparing practical chemistry explainers, worksheets, and reference material for independent learners.

Actualizado: 2026-07-07 Politica editorial Correcciones

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Guides use a repeatable count-and-check method, flag common exceptions, and avoid collecting personal or student data.

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