Page 90 - The Periodic Table Book

73
Ta Tantalum

State: Solid
73 73 108 Discovery: 1802

Transition Metals Tantalite The mineral These yellow Artificial joint The tantalum
Uses
Forms
has a dark,
waxy surface.
shell of this
crystals contain the
mineral stibiotantalite.
hip implant
is lightweight
and flexible.

Tantalum capacitors are
used to store a lot of electric
charge in small circuits, such as
the ones inside mobile phones.

Electronic

The pure metal barely reacts Rods of pure tantalum capacitor
with air, so stays shiny.
refined in a laboratory

The case and
Metallic watch
strap of this
watch are made
of an alloy of
tantalum, gold,
and copper.

Tantalum is a hard metal named after other body implants. Tantalum powder is used
Tantalus, a man from Greek mythology in capacitors – devices used in electronic circuits
who was punished by the gods. It is to store electricity. This strong metal toughens
extracted from a rare mineral called tantalite. watches made of softer, precious metals.
This tough metal is not harmful to the human Tantalum is also used to create strong turbine
88 body, so it is used to make artificial joints and blades that do not corrode.

088-089_Tantalum_Tungsten.indd 88 02/12/16 10:00 pm