Tantalum

A chemical element, in the periodic table tantalum has the symbol Ta and atom number 73. It was discovered in 1802 by [Anders Ekeberg]?, in Sweden. Its name is derived from the Greek word "Tantalos" meaning "father of Niobe?," a reference to tantalum's close relationship to niobium on the periodic table.

Tantalum is almost completely immune to chemical attack at temperatures below 150°C, and is attacked only by [hydrofluoric acid]?, acidic solutions containing the fluoride? ion, and free [sulphur trioxide]?. The element has a melting point exceeded only by tungsten and rhenium (melting point 3290 K, boiling point 5731 K). It is ductile and can be drawn into fine wire, which is used as a filament for evaporating metals such as aluminium.