Niobium (Nb) VS Tantalum (Ta)
A definitive side-by-side comparison of two essential element profiles.
VS
Main Differences
Niobium (Nb) is an element in the transition metals category with an atomic number of 41. Tantalum (Ta) is an element in the transition metals category with an atomic number of 73.
Tantalum (Ta) is 1.9x denser than Niobium (Nb). However, Tantalum (Ta) melts at a higher temperature than Niobium (Nb) (a difference of 540.0 Kelvin).
Where do the names come from?
Nb Niobium (Nb) Naming History
The name comes from Niobe from Greek mythology, who was the daughter of king Tantalus. This was chosen because of niobium's chemical similarity to tantalum
Ta Tantalum (Ta) Naming History
The name Tantalum is derived from the legendary Greek figure King Tantalus.
Related Comparisons
Compare
Niobium (Nb)
Tantalum (Ta)
Category
Transition Metals
Transition Metals
Atomic Number
41
73
Symbol
Nb
Ta
Atomic Mass
92.906 u
180.948 u
Group
5
5
Period
5
6
Block
d-block
d-block
Standard State (at 20°C)
solid
solid
Density
8.57 g/cm³
16.69 g/cm³
Melting Point (°C)
2477°C
3017°C
Melting Point (°F)
4491°F
5463°F
Melting Point (K)
2750 K
3290 K
Boiling Point (°C)
4741°C
5455°C
Boiling Point (°F)
8566°F
9851°F
Boiling Point (K)
5017 K
5731 K
Year Discovered:
1801
1802
CAS Number
01/03/7440
7440-25-7
Origin of Name:
The name comes from Niobe from Greek mythology, who was the daughter of king Tantalus. This was chosen because of niobium's chemical similarity to tantalum
The name is derived from the legendary Greek figure King Tantalus.