Tellurium (Te)
Tellurium (Te, element 52) is a metalloid in group 16, period 5. Atomic mass 127.6, electron configuration [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁴, uses and facts.
About Tellurium
Tellurium is a metalloid with the symbol Te and atomic number 52. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 16, period 5 of the periodic table. Tellurium was discovered in 1782 by Franz-Joseph Müller.
Tellurium key facts
- Atomic number: 52
- Symbol: Te
- Atomic mass: 127.6 u
- Category: metalloid
- Group: 16
- Period: 5
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁴
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 2.1
- Melting point: 722.66 K (449.51 °C)
- Boiling point: 1261 K (987.85 °C)
- Density: 6.24 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −2, 0, +2, +4, +5, +6
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of tellurium is [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁴. The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells. Tellurium has 6 valence electrons.
Uses of tellurium
- Solar cells
- Semiconductors
- Alloys
Did you know?
Tellurium gives garlic breath even in tiny amounts, workers exposed to it smell of garlic for weeks.
Other elements in group 16 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of tellurium?
The atomic number of tellurium is 52, which means every tellurium atom has 52 protons.
What is the electron configuration of tellurium?
The electron configuration of tellurium is [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁴.
What group and period is tellurium in?
Tellurium is a metalloid in group 16, period 5.
What state is tellurium at room temperature?
Tellurium is a solid at room temperature.
What is tellurium used for?
Tellurium is used for solar cells, semiconductors, alloys.