The transition elements have incompletely filled d-subshells in their ground state or in any of their oxidation states. The transition elements occupy position in between s- and p-blocks in groups 3-12 of the Periodic table. Starting from fourth period, transition elements consists of four complete series : Sc to Zn, Y to Cd and La, Hf to Hg and Ac, Rf to Cn. In general, the electronic configuration of outer orbitals of these elements is (n - 1) d^1-10 ns^1-2. The electronic configurations of outer orbitals of Zn, Cd, Hg and Cn are represented by the general formula (n - 1)d¹⁰ ns². All the transition elements have typical metallic properties such as high tensile strength, ductility, malleability. Except mercury, which is liquid at room temperature, other transition elements have typical metallic structures. The transition metals and their compounds also exhibit catalytic property and paramagnetic behaviour. Transition metal also forms alloys. An alloy is a blend of metals prepared by mixing the components. Alloys may be homogeneous solid solutions in which the atoms of one metal are distributed randomly among the atoms of the other.

What is the electronic configuration of tantalum (Ta)?

[Xe]4f¹⁴5d³6s²

Tantalum ₇₃Ta : [Xe]4f¹⁴5d³6s²