Tantalum

**Tantalum** is an element of the main subgroup of the fifth group, the fourth period of the periodic table of chemical elements of D. I. Mendeleev, with atomic number 73.

In D.I. Mendeleev’s periodic table of chemicals, it is located in the same period with niobium and tungsten, and in the same subgroup with zirconium, niobium, and hafnium. Therefore, they can be replaced with each other under many reaction conditions.

The metal tantalum does not exhibit remarkable chemical properties because its ground-state 5s electrons are loosely bonded to its 6s valence electrons, providing only a relatively simple oxide film for protection. Because of this, tantalum has moderate chemical reactivity compared to other group 5 elements. However, it has some unique properties that give it an advantage in some applications.

Tantalum, first isolated from the mineral tantalite, was discovered at the end of the 18th century - after the discovery of niobium. German-Danish geologist Jens J. Bergmann discovered the mineral tantalite while exploring the Ballhussen mountain system in southern Greenland in 1