Hafnium vs Tantalum
Side-by-side comparison of Hafnium (Hf, element 72) and Tantalum (Ta, element 73) by atomic structure and physical properties.
| Property | Hf Hafnium | Ta Tantalum |
|---|---|---|
| Atomic number | 72 | 73 |
| Symbol | Hf | Ta |
| Name | Hafnium | Tantalum |
| Category | transition-metal | transition-metal |
| Standard Atomic Weight | 178.49 u | 180.94788 u |
| Period | 6 | 6 |
| Group | 4 | 5 |
| Block | d | d |
| Phase at STP | Solid | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe]4f145d26s2 | [Xe]4f145d36s2 |
| Oxidation states | [-2, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4] | [-3, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5] |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.3 | 1.5 |
| Electron affinity | 0.178 eV | 0.328859 eV |
| Density | 1.33e+4 kg/m³ | 1.64e+4 kg/m³ |
| Melting point | 2232.85 °C | 3016.85 °C |
| Boiling point | 4602.85 °C | 5457.85 °C |
| Discovery year | 1922 | 1802 |
Key Differences
| Property | Hf Hafnium | Ta Tantalum |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Atomic Weight | 178.49 u ↓ lower | 180.94788 u ↑ higher |
| Density | 1.33e+4 kg/m³ ↓ lower | 1.64e+4 kg/m³ ↑ higher |
| Melting point | 2232.85 °C ↓ lower | 3016.85 °C ↑ higher |
| Boiling point | 4602.85 °C ↓ lower | 5457.85 °C ↑ higher |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.3 ↓ lower | 1.5 ↑ higher |
| Electron affinity | 0.178 eV ↓ lower | 0.328859 eV ↑ higher |
| Group | 4 | 5 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe]4f145d26s2 | [Xe]4f145d36s2 |
| Discovery year | 1922 | 1802 |