Ta
Tantalum
Z = 73 · Transition Metal · 180.9 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Moderate thermal absorber (σ_a = 20.6 b). Used in some high-temperature structural applications. Tantalum sheathing is sometimes used in irradiation capsules. Not a common reactor core material but relevant in specialized fast reactor and fusion components.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 73
- Standard atomic mass
- 180.9 u
- Category
- Transition Metal
Isotopes & cross-section data
| Isotope | Mass (A) | Half-life | ZAID | Libraries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ta-181 | 181 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c |