It is a transition metal, that is, it is located in the central part of our table and its configuration includes a D orbital; It is a rare metal, grayish in color, it is hard, corrosion resistant and also has a metallic luster.
Electron configuration of tantalum
Tantalum configuration
Tantalum, also known as tantalum, is a chemical element that receives its name in honor of Tantalos, the son of Zeus who, according to Greek mythology of the time, was considered the father of the gods and the men. The electron configuration is [Xe] 4f14 5d3 6s2.
Characteristics of Tantalum
- It is a ductile element, that is, capable of changing and transforming its shape using pressure.
- It is a heavy and hard metal.
- It is a good conductor of electricity.
- It is an electrically conductive element.
- It reaches the maximum oxidation state that can occur in group 5, which is +5, although oxidation states of 4, 3,2 are also known.
At high temperature, tantalum combines with elements such as:
- Arsenic
- Nitrogen
- Sulfur
- Match
- Silicon
- Carbon
- boron etc… and even absorbs hydrogen.
It is very resistant to acid attacks. A fact that we must keep in mind: the only name recognized by the Royal Academy of the Spanish Language for this element is tantalum, although sometimes we call it tantalum.
Tantalum is a rare metal not abundant in the earth’s crust. In general, it is usually found in minerals such as tantalite and coltan, which increases its value in the market and fetches an extremely high price. It belongs to the series of transition metals, group 5, period 6 and, of course, block d. It has an atomic mass of 180.9479 u.
Physical properties
- It is an element which occurs in its ordinary state as a solid.
- It has a density of 16650 kg/m3
- It has a melting point of 3017 0C.
- It has a boiling point of 5458 0C.
- It has a Mohs hardness rating of 6.5.
- Physically, it is considered an excellent thermal conductor.
- It is odorless.
Chemical properties
- Despite high resistance to acids, the element dissolves in hydrofluoric acid.
- Atomically, it has 107 neutrons, 74 protons and 74 electrons.
- It can absorb hydrogen and combine with other elements.
Mechanical properties
Tantalum does not exhibit any mechanical properties beyond its hardness.
Discovery of tantalum
The element was discovered in 1802 by Anders Ekeberg, in Sweden. At the time, scientists thought that niobium was the same element as tantalum, so it was not until 1844 and 1866 that Rose and Marignac showed that these elements were different.
Where is this item located?
- The Republic of Congo has about 80% of the estimated world reserve of this element.
- It should be mentioned that, in order to separate tantalum from niobium, it must be dissolved with hydrochloric acid. In this way, the niobium is completely dissolved.
What are the uses of this element?
Presents other applications:
- It is with Tantalum that smartphones, flat screen televisions, etc. are made.
- Some industries use their sheets to generate heat transfer.
- Smoke detector.
- Pacemaker for heart patients.
- Civil band radios.
- For the construction of nuclear reactors, among others.
health effects
If this element is inhaled, it can harm human health, since it produces irritability, the same applies if it is ingested or comes into contact with the skin.
Environmental effects
In order to use this element in the environment, government permits are required. It is advisable to isolate the oxides of this element to produce pollution in our natural environment. So far today’s study my chemistry minds, I hope you learned something new. See you next time!
