Tantalum (Ta): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Tantalum (Ta): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Xe] 6s2 4f14 5d3 · group 5 · period 6 · Ar 180.95
Tantalum data
- Atomic number
- 73
- Relative atomic mass
- 180.95
- Group
- 5
- Period
- 6
- Block
- d
- Category
- Transition metal
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 6s2 4f14 5d3
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d3
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2 (K L M N O P)
- Valence electrons
- 5
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 1.5
- First ionisation energy
- 7.89 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 217 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 3017 °C
- Boiling point
- 5458 °C
- Density
- 16.4 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +5
- Discovered
- 1802
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 18 · N 32 · O 11 · P 2
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About tantalum
With atomic number 73, tantalum (Ta) has 73 protons in its nucleus and 73 electrons as a neutral atom. It is a transition metal in group 5, period 6, d-block. The element was discovered in 1802. Tantalum is a solid at room temperature, melting at 3017 °C and boiling at 5458 °C.
Tantalum electron configuration
The electron configuration of tantalum is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d3, or in short [Xe] 6s2 4f14 5d3. Its electrons occupy 6 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 18, N = 32, O = 11, P = 2. For transition metals, valence electrons are counted from the 6s and 5d subshells: 2 + 3 = 5, matching group 5.
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p6(10) → 3s2(12) → 3p6(18) → 4s2(20) → 3d10(30) → 4p6(36) → 5s2(38) → 4d10(48) → 5p6(54) → 6s2(56) → 4f14(70) → 5d3(73)
Uses of tantalum
In industry and the laboratory, tantalum turns up in many places, for example tantalum capacitors in phones and laptops, surgical implants and corrosion-resistant chemical equipment. For research and analysis you can browse tantalum compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
Bulk tantalum has low toxicity. The main hazards are its dust and salts, so always check the SDS of the compound you use. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 5
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of tantalum?
The electron configuration of tantalum (Ta, atomic number 73) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p6 6s2 4f14 5d3, or [Xe] 6s2 4f14 5d3 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 18, 32, 11, 2.
How many valence electrons does tantalum have?
Tantalum has 5 valence electrons.
Which group and period is tantalum in?
Tantalum is in group 5, period 6, d-block.
What is the atomic mass of tantalum?
The relative atomic mass of tantalum is 180.95. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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