Tellurium (Te): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Tellurium is element 52 on the periodic table, a metalloid, with properties between metals and nonmetals. 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 3DTellurium quick facts
| Atomic number | 52 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Te |
| Atomic mass | 127.6 |
| Category | Metalloid |
| Group and period | Group 16, period 5 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁴ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 18, 6 |
| Discovered | 1782, Müller |
What is tellurium used for?
- Cadmium telluride solar cells
- Thermoelectric generators
- Rewritable CDs/DVDs
Interesting facts about tellurium
- Tellurium is rarer on Earth than platinum despite being more abundant in the universe
- Even tiny exposures to tellurium give a garlic smell on the breath that can last for weeks
- Tellurium is named after the Latin word for Earth (tellus)
Tellurium was discovered in 1782 by Müller in Romania.
Where tellurium sits on the periodic table
Tellurium is in group 16, period 5. Tap any element to open its page.
Other metalloids
Tellurium questions
What is the atomic number of tellurium?
Tellurium has atomic number 52, so every tellurium atom has 52 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Te and its atomic mass is 127.6.
Is tellurium a metal?
Tellurium is a metalloid, with properties between metals and nonmetals. On the periodic table it is grouped as a metalloid, found in group 16, period 5.
What is the electron configuration of tellurium?
The electron configuration of tellurium is [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁴. Its electrons sit in 5 shells: 2, 8, 18, 18, 6.
What is tellurium used for?
Tellurium is used for cadmium telluride solar cells, thermoelectric generators and rewritable cds/dvds.
Who discovered tellurium?
Tellurium was discovered in 1782 by Müller in Romania.
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