IIT Ropar Discovers a Rare Metal ‘Tantalum’ in Sutlej River, Punjab

Aditi

1 year ago

A group of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar, under the leadership of Dr. Resmi Sebastian, has made a significant discovery of tantalum, a rare metal, in the sand of the Sutlej River in Punjab.

Download August 2024 BOLT PDF (Current Affairs)

This finding adds to the scientific understanding of the region’s mineral composition and may have implications for resource exploration and utilization. The presence of tantalum, known for its various industrial applications, could contribute to the economic potential of the area.

Tantalum

Tantalum is indeed a rare metal, characterized by its atomic number 73, which represents the number of protons in a single atom of the element.

Tantalum’s Properties

Tantalum exhibits several remarkable properties that contribute to its importance in various applications.

It is a grey, heavy metal known for its hardness and exceptional corrosion resistance.
When exposed to air, tantalum forms a thin oxide layer, making it highly resistant to corrosion, especially in challenging environments involving strong acids and elevated temperatures.
In its pure form, tantalum is ductile, allowing it to be stretched into thin wires without breaking.
Additionally, it demonstrates remarkable chemical inertness at temperatures below 150°C, remaining unaffected by most substances except for hydrofluoric acid, certain fluoride-containing acidic solutions, and free sulfur trioxide.
Another noteworthy feature is tantalum’s exceptionally high melting point, surpassed only by tungsten and rhenium.

These characteristics make tantalum a valuable and sought-after material in various industrial and technological applications.

Tantalum’s Discovery

Tantalum’s discovery is attributed to Anders Gustaf Ekenberg, a Swedish chemist, who identified it in 1802 while examining minerals from Ytterby, Sweden. Initially, Ekenberg believed he had discovered a variation of niobium, an element with chemical similarities to tantalum.

The clarification came in 1866 when Swiss chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac conclusively demonstrated that tantalum and niobium were indeed distinct elements, resolving the earlier confusion. Since then, tantalum has been recognized as a unique and valuable element with diverse applications in various industries.

Origin of its Name

Tantalum derives its name from the Greek mythological figure Tantalus, the wealthy yet deceitful king of a town above Mount Sipylus in Anatolia. Tantalus is famously known for facing severe punishment from Zeus when he attempted to serve his own son at a feast for the gods.

As a consequence, Tantalus was condemned to the underworld, where he stood eternally in a pool of water with tempting clusters of fresh fruit hanging just out of reach. Whenever he tried to drink the water, it receded, and whenever he attempted to pluck the fruit, the branches drew back.

The choice of the name “tantalum” reflects the metal’s insolubility in acids, emphasizing its inability to react with or be dissolved by acids, drawing a parallel to Tantalus’ futile attempts to quench his thirst and satisfy his hunger.

Uses of Tantalum

Tantalum plays a crucial role in the electronics industry, particularly in the production of capacitors.
Tantalum capacitors possess the ability to store more electricity in smaller sizes with minimal leakage compared to other capacitor types.
This makes them highly desirable for applications in portable electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras.
Due to its high melting point, tantalum is frequently employed as a cost-effective substitute for platinum.
This versatile metal finds applications in various industries, including the production of components for chemical plants, nuclear power plants, aircraft, and missiles.
Tantalum’s non-reactivity with bodily fluids makes it suitable for manufacturing surgical equipment and implants, including artificial joints.
The combination of tantalum carbide (TaC) and graphite forms a composite material renowned for its extreme hardness, making it one of the toughest materials available.
- This composite is commonly utilized on the cutting edges of high-speed machine tools, where durability and resistance to wear are essential.
- The exceptional hardness of the TaC and graphite composite enhances the performance and longevity of cutting tools, contributing to their efficiency in various machining applications.

Aditi

Hello, I’m Aditi, the creative mind behind the words at Oliveboard. As a content writer specializing in state-level exams, my mission is to unravel the complexities of exam information, ensuring aspiring candidates find clarity and confidence. Having walked the path of an aspirant myself, I bring a unique perspective to my work, crafting accessible content on Exam Notifications, Admit Cards, and Results.

At Oliveboard, I play a crucial role in empowering candidates throughout their exam journey. My dedication lies in making the seemingly daunting process not only understandable but also rewarding. Join me as I break down barriers in exam preparation, providing timely insights and valuable resources. Let’s navigate the path to success together, one well-informed step at a time.

Oliveboard Live Courses & Mock Test Series