Atomic Number: 73
Atomic Weight: 180.94788
Melting Point: 3290 K (3017°C or 5463°F)
Boiling Point: 5731 K (5458°C or 9856°F)
Density: 16.4 grams per cubic centimeter
Phase at Room Temperature: Solid
Element Classification: Metal
Period Number: 6
Group Number: 5
Group Name: none
Tantalum has only two isotopes and one of them, Ta-180, has one of the lowest natural abundances of all naturally occurring isotopes (0.012%). Ta-180 has only been produced in minute quantities and is very expensive. Ta-181 can be used for the production of W-178 which decays to Ta-178. Ta-178 emits low energy gamma rays which can be used for imaging purposes