Terbium (Tb): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Terbium is element 65 on the periodic table, a lanthanide, so it is a metal. 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 3DTerbium quick facts
| Atomic number | 65 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Tb |
| Atomic mass | 158.925 |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Series and period | Lanthanides, period 6 |
| Block | f-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f⁹ 6s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 27, 8, 2 |
| Discovered | 1843, Mosander |
What is terbium used for?
- Green phosphor in fluorescent lamps & LEDs
- Terbium-dysprosium-iron magnetostrictive alloy (Terfenol-D)
- Sonar transducers
Interesting facts about terbium
- Terfenol-D (terbium alloy) changes shape in a magnetic field. Used in precision actuators
- Named after Ytterby village in Sweden. One of four elements with this distinction
- Terbium green phosphor makes compact fluorescent lamps energy efficient
Terbium was discovered in 1843 by Mosander in Sweden.
Where terbium sits on the periodic table
Terbium is in the lanthanide series (period 6). Tap any element to open its page.
Other lanthanides
Terbium questions
What is the atomic number of terbium?
Terbium has atomic number 65, so every terbium atom has 65 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Tb and its atomic mass is 158.925.
Is terbium a metal?
Terbium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a lanthanide, found in the lanthanide series (period 6).
What is the electron configuration of terbium?
The electron configuration of terbium is [Xe] 4f⁹ 6s². Its electrons sit in 6 shells: 2, 8, 18, 27, 8, 2.
What is terbium used for?
Terbium is used for green phosphor in fluorescent lamps & leds, terbium-dysprosium-iron magnetostrictive alloy (terfenol-d) and sonar transducers.
Who discovered terbium?
Terbium was discovered in 1843 by Mosander in Sweden.
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