Tantalum

= Tantalum =

By: Nikki

 * Atomic Number:** **73**


 * Protons: 73**


 * Electrons: 73**


 * Neutrons:** **108**


 * Average Atomic Mass:** ** 180.94788(2)

Isotopes: Ta(0.012%) and Ta(99.988%). Ta(99.988%) is a stable isotope.

Discovery: Tantalum was discovered in a science experiment. Some scientist felt that perhaps tantalum was related to other elements. Anders Gustaf Ekeberg discovered it in Sweden. Later, a scientist, Rose found it had different acids. The first relativly pure tantalum was produced by von Bolton in 1907.

Name: It was named after "father of Niobe". The element was named after an element on the periodic table: Niobe.

Uses: Tantalum is used in steels with desirable properties such as high melting point, high strength, and good ductility. Ex. aircraft and missile manufacture.

Interesting Facts: Tantalum reacts with certain elements. It reacts with air, water, halogens, acids, and bases. Tantalum does not react with air under normal conditions. The surface of tantalum metal is protected by a thin oxide layer. Tantalum does not react with water under normal conditions. The surface of tantalum metal is protected by a thin oxide layer. Tantalum does react with the halogens upon warming to form tantalum(V) halides. Tantalum appear not to be attacked by many acids at room temperature but does dissolve in hydrofluoric acid. ** ** Video: media type="youtube" key="51xFP1Yn3g0" height="344" width="425"

Sources ** > > > > **
 * ** Photo:[[image:3246582837_c559d17326.jpg width="337" height="374" align="center"]]
 * ** Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51xFP1Yn3g0**
 * ** http://webelements.com/chemistry.html **
 * ** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantalu **
 * ** http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulk/2687104036/ **