Tantalum - Tales from the Periodic Table

Summary

In 'Tales from the Periodic Table,' host Ron Hipschman explores tantalum, the 73rd element, known for its high corrosion resistance and use in electronics and medical implants. Discovered by Anders Gustaf Ekeberg in 1802 and named after the mythological figure Tantalus, it's a transition metal with a unique place in the universe's elemental evolution. Tantalum's applications range from light bulb filaments to capacitors, showcasing its versatility in modern technology and medicine.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Tantalum is the 73rd element in the periodic table with an atomic number of 73, named after the Greek mythological figure Tantalus.
• 🏆 The Anders Gustaf Eberg Tantalum Prize is awarded for excellence in tantalum research and development, akin to a 'tantalum Nobel Prize'.
• 🔍 Tantalum was initially confused with niobium due to their chemical similarities, but was later distinguished by scientists in 1864.
• 🌌 Tantalum is the 83rd most abundant element in the universe and is extremely rare, with no known presence in the Sun.
• ⚙️ Tantalum is a transition metal known for its high corrosion resistance, especially when anodized to form a thin oxide layer that can exhibit various colors.
• 💡 Tantalum's high melting point makes it a member of the refractory metals, suitable for use in high-temperature applications such as incandescent light bulb filaments.
• 📊 Tantalum has a very low rate of thermal expansion, making it ideal for applications where dimensional stability is crucial.
• 💰 The price of tantalum can vary widely based on purity and quantity, with 99% pure tantalum costing approximately $360 per kilogram.
• 🔋 Tantalum is used in capacitors due to its ability to hold a high charge in a small size, although it is more expensive than other types of capacitors.
• 🛡️ Tantalum's non-corrosive properties make it suitable for medical applications such as sutures and skull plates, as it is well-tolerated by body tissues.
• 🌐 Tantalum's unique set of emission lines across the spectrum allows for its identification in scientific studies, with no other element producing the same set of colors.

Q & A

What is the name of the host of 'Tales from the Periodic Table'?

The host of 'Tales from the Periodic Table' is Ron Hipschman.

What is the atomic number of tantalum?

The atomic number of tantalum is 73.

Who is credited with discovering tantalum?

Anders Gustaf Ekeberg is credited with discovering tantalum.

What is the origin of the name 'tantalum'?

The name 'tantalum' comes from the Greek mythological figure Tantalus.

Why was the element tantalum named after Tantalus?

Tantalum was named after Tantalus due to its incapacity to absorb any material when immersed in acid, which is a reference to Tantalus' punishment of being eternally tantalized by food and drink that were always out of reach.

What is the relationship between tantalum and niobium in the periodic table?

Tantalum and niobium are family resemblances because they are directly above each other in the periodic table and have very similar chemical properties.

What is the significance of the year 1864 in the history of tantalum and niobium?

In 1864, the distinction between tantalum and niobium as separate elements was finally established by Christian Wilhelm Blomstrand, Henri Étienne Sainte-Claire Deville, and Louis J. Troost.

What is the most abundant isotope of tantalum?

The most abundant isotope of tantalum is Tantalum-181, which is also the only stable, nonradioactive isotope.

What is the melting point of tantalum?

The melting point of tantalum is 3017°C (5,463°F).

How is tantalum used in the electronics industry?

Tantalum is used in the electronics industry for its high corrosion resistance and as a material for capacitors due to its ability to hold more charge for a given size and weight.

What is the significance of tantalum in the medical field?

Tantalum is used in the medical field for making sutures and skull plates due to its non-corrosive nature and biocompatibility.

What is the density of tantalum?

The density of tantalum is 16.65 g/cm³, which is denser than lead.

What is the position of tantalum in the list of elements by abundance in the universe?

Tantalum is the 83rd most abundant element in the universe by mass.

What is the half-life of the longest-lived radioactive isotope of tantalum?

The longest-lived radioactive isotope of tantalum, an excited state of Tantalum-180, has a half-life greater than 1.2 quadrillion years.