Tantalum


 * Element Name**: Tantalum


 * Element Symbol**: Ta


 * Atomic Mass**: 181


 * Atomic Number**: 73


 * Protons**: 73


 * Electrons**: 73


 * Discovery:** Anders Gustaf Ekenberg in 1802.


 * How it was named**: Niobium, an element that is chemically similar to Tantalum.


 * State of Matter**: Solid


 * Melting Point**: 3017°C


 * Boiling Point**: 5458°C


 * Characteristics**: Tantalum is a grayish silver, heavy, and very hard metal. The element has a melting point exceeded only by tungsten and rhenium.


 * Uses**: As a powder it is used in electronic devices. It is also used in some camera lenses and precious watches.


 * Interesting Facts**: Tantalum is almost completely immune to chemical attack at temperature below 150°C and is attacked only by hydrofluoric acid, acidic solutions containing the floride ion and free sulfur trioxide.

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