Selenium (Se): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Selenium is element 34 on the periodic table, a nonmetal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DSelenium quick facts
| Atomic number | 34 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Se |
| Atomic mass | 78.971 |
| Category | Nonmetal |
| Group and period | Group 16, period 4 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁴ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 6 |
| Discovered | 1817, Berzelius |
What is selenium used for?
- Photoelectric cells & solar panels
- Glass decoloriser
- Nutritional supplement (essential trace element)
Interesting facts about selenium
- Named after Selene, the Greek moon goddess (its companion tellurium is named after Earth)
- Selenium is essential for human health but toxic in slightly larger amounts
- Selenium's electrical conductivity increases dramatically in the presence of light. Basis of early photocells
Selenium was discovered in 1817 by Berzelius in Sweden.
Where selenium sits on the periodic table
Selenium is in group 16, period 4. Tap any element to open its page.
Other nonmetals
Selenium questions
What is the atomic number of selenium?
Selenium has atomic number 34, so every selenium atom has 34 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Se and its atomic mass is 78.971.
Is selenium a metal?
Selenium is a nonmetal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a nonmetal, found in group 16, period 4.
What is the electron configuration of selenium?
The electron configuration of selenium is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p⁴. Its electrons sit in 4 shells: 2, 8, 18, 6.
What is selenium used for?
Selenium is used for photoelectric cells & solar panels, glass decoloriser and nutritional supplement (essential trace element).
Who discovered selenium?
Selenium was discovered in 1817 by Berzelius in Sweden.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.