A tantalum capacitor is a type of electrolytic capacitor that uses tantalum metal for its anode. Known for their high capacitance values and small size, these capacitors are commonly used in electronic devices where space is limited. They are polarized, meaning they have a positive and negative terminal, and must be connected correctly in a circuit to function properly. Tantalum capacitors are valued for their stability and reliability, especially in applications requiring consistent performance over time. They are often found in smartphones, computers, and medical devices, where they help filter signals and store energy efficiently.