Terbium (Tb)
Terbium (Tb, element 65) is a lanthanide in period 6. Atomic mass 158.925, electron configuration [Xe] 4f⁹ 6s², uses and facts.
About Terbium
Terbium is a lanthanide with the symbol Tb and atomic number 65. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in period 6 of the periodic table. Terbium was discovered in 1843 by Carl Gustaf Mosander.
Terbium key facts
- Atomic number: 65
- Symbol: Tb
- Atomic mass: 158.925 u
- Category: lanthanide
- Group: none (f-block)
- Period: 6
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f⁹ 6s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.2
- Melting point: 1629 K (1355.85 °C)
- Boiling point: 3503 K (3229.85 °C)
- Density: 8.23 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +1, +2, +3, +4
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of terbium is [Xe] 4f⁹ 6s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of terbium
- Fluorescent lamps
- Magnets
- Sonar systems
Did you know?
Terbium compounds produce bright green fluorescence used in energy-efficient fluorescent lamps.
Neighbouring elements
- Gadolinium (Gd)
- Dysprosium (Dy)
- Lanthanum (La)
- Cerium (Ce)
- Praseodymium (Pr)
- Neodymium (Nd)
- Promethium (Pm)
- Samarium (Sm)
- Europium (Eu)
- Gadolinium (Gd)
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of terbium?
The atomic number of terbium is 65, which means every terbium atom has 65 protons.
What is the electron configuration of terbium?
The electron configuration of terbium is [Xe] 4f⁹ 6s².
What group and period is terbium in?
Terbium is a lanthanide in period 6.
What state is terbium at room temperature?
Terbium is a solid at room temperature.
What is terbium used for?
Terbium is used for fluorescent lamps, magnets, sonar systems.