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tantalum

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Tantalum is a transition metal with the chemical symbol Ta and atomic number 73. It is a hard, silvery-grey metal that is resistant to corrosion and oxidation. Tantalum has the highest melting point of all the transition metals.

Tantalum is found in nature as a free element or in compounds with other elements, such as tantalite. It is mined in Australia, Canada, and Russia.

Tantalum is used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Capacitors: Tantalum capacitors are used in electronic devices because they can store a lot of energy in a small space.
  • Medical implants: Tantalum is used in medical implants because it is biocompatible and does not corrode in the body.
  • High-temperature alloys: Tantalum is used in high-temperature alloys because it is resistant to heat and corrosion.
  • Nuclear reactors: Tantalum is used in nuclear reactors because it is resistant to radiation.

How can the word be used?

Tantalum is a rare, grey-white, ductile metal that is highly corrosion-resistant.

tantalum

Different forms of the word

Noun:

a chemical element with the symbol Ta and atomic number 73. It is a hard, gray-white, ductile, and highly corrosion-resistant metal.

Adjective:

relating to or containing tantalum.

Etymology

The word "tantalum" comes from the name of Tantalus, a figure in Greek mythology. In the story, he was punished after death by being condemned to stand knee-deep in water with perfect fruit growing above his head, both of which eternally tantalized him. (If he bent to drink the water, it drained below the level he could reach, and if he reached for the fruit, the branches moved out of his grasp.).

The Swedish chemist Anders Gustaf Ekeberg named the element "tantalum" in 1802, partly in allusion to its incapacity, when immersed in acid, to absorb any and be saturated.

The first recorded use of the word "tantalum" in English was in 1803.

The word "tantalum" is a New Latin word, which means that it was created by scientists. It is derived from the name of Tantalus.

Question

Who named the element tantalum?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Explain the significance of tantalum in modern technology. Describe its unique properties that make it valuable for various applications. Provide an example of a technological device where tantalum is commonly used and its role in enhancing device performance.

Answer:

Tantalum holds significant importance in modern technology due to its exceptional properties, making it a valuable material for various applications. Tantalum is known for its high melting point, corrosion resistance, and ability to conduct electricity, making it indispensable in electronics and other cutting-edge technologies.

One prominent application of tantalum is in manufacturing capacitors, which are critical components in electronic devices like smartphones and laptops. Tantalum capacitors are favoured for their high capacitance-to-volume ratio, allowing them to store and release electrical energy efficiently. Their stability and reliability make them ideal for filtering and regulating electrical currents, contributing to enhanced device performance.

For example, tantalum capacitors play a vital role in the functioning of mobile phones. They help stabilise power supply voltages, ensuring consistent performance and preventing voltage fluctuations that could damage sensitive electronic components. Tantalum capacitors also enable rapid charging and discharging of batteries, contributing to the efficiency and longevity of portable electronic devices.