Hello and welcome to Teach Kids Chemistry! Today, we will be discussing the fascinating element tantalum. Tantalum is a rare, hard, blue-gray metal that is highly resistant to corrosion and has a high melting point. It is commonly used in electronic devices, such as capacitors and high-power resistors, as well as in surgical implants due to its biocompatibility. Join us as we explore the properties and uses of tantalum in a simple and non-complex manner.
The Periodic Element Tantalum Overview
Tantalum is a chemical element with the symbol Ta and atomic number 73. It is a rare, hard, blue-gray, lustrous transition metal that is highly corrosion-resistant. Tantalum has an atomic mass of 180.94788 u and contains 73 protons, 73 electrons, and 108 neutrons. It is located in period 6 and group 5 of the periodic table. Tantalum is a metal and has a melting point of 3,017 °C and a boiling point of 5,458 °C. Its density is 16.69 g/cm³, and it has an electronegativity of 1.5. The specific heat capacity of tantalum is 140 J/(kg·K).Tantalum is widely used in the electronics industry due to its high melting point, low thermal expansion, and excellent conductivity. It is also used in the production of superalloys, which are used in jet engines and gas turbines. Tantalum is also used in the medical industry for implants and surgical instruments due to its biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. Despite its many uses, tantalum is a rare element and is often difficult to obtain, which makes it expensive.
Everyday objects that contain the periodic element tantalum?
There are many everyday objects that contain chemicals or compounds that can be used to teach chemistry concepts. For example, water is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and can be used to teach about chemical formulas and the properties of different elements. Salt, which is made up of sodium and chlorine, can be used to teach about ionic bonding and the properties of salts. Baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate, can be used to teach about chemical reactions and the properties of acids and bases. Other examples include vinegar, which is acetic acid, and aspirin, which is acetylsalicylic acid. By using everyday objects that contain chemicals, students can learn about chemistry concepts in a simple and relatable way.
Differences in the periodic element tantalum across states of matter
The state of an element can vary greatly depending on its temperature and pressure. At standard temperature and pressure (STP), most elements are either solids or gases. Solids have a fixed shape and volume, while gases have neither. As temperature and pressure increase, some solids can become liquids, which have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container. As temperature and pressure continue to increase, some liquids can become gases, which have neither a fixed shape nor volume. At extremely high temperatures and pressures, some gases can become plasmas, which are highly ionized and conductive. Plasmas are often found in stars and lightning bolts, and have unique properties such as the ability to emit light.
Is the periodic element tantalum dangerous or radioactive?
Tantalum is not considered a dangerous or radioactive element. It is a rare, hard, blue-gray metal that is highly resistant to corrosion and has a high melting point. Tantalum is widely used in electronic components, such as capacitors and resistors, as well as in surgical implants and other medical devices due to its biocompatibility and non-toxicity. While tantalum mining can have environmental impacts, the element itself is not considered hazardous to human health or the environment.
Is the periodic element tantalum rare and expensive?
Yes, tantalum is considered a rare and expensive element. It is a hard, dense, and corrosion-resistant metal that is widely used in electronic devices, such as capacitors and high-power resistors, as well as in alloys for jet engine components and surgical implants. Tantalum is relatively rare in the Earth’s crust, and most of the world’s supply comes from a few countries, including Australia, Brazil, and Rwanda. The mining and processing of tantalum can be difficult and expensive, which contributes to its high cost.
Learn about all the elements with a periodic table!