Tellurium (Te)
Metalloid · p-block · period 5 · group 16
Brittle, silvery-white, metallic-looking metalloid.
Tellurium (symbol Te) is chemical element number 52, a metalloid in group 16, period 5 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 127.60 and its electron configuration is [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p4. At room temperature it is a solid. Its name comes from the Latin for 'earth'.
Properties
| Atomic number | 52 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 127.60 |
| Category | Metalloid |
| Block | p-block |
| Group · Period | 16 · 5 |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p4 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 18, 6 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 722.66 K |
| Boiling point | 1261 K |
| Density | 6.24 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.1 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1782 · Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein |
Key facts about Tellurium
- Its name comes from the Latin for 'earth'.
- People exposed to it develop 'tellurium breath' — a strong garlic odour — from tiny amounts.
- Cadmium telluride is used in a major type of thin-film solar panel.
- Added to steel and copper to make them easier to machine.
What Tellurium is used for
Thin-film solar cells, alloying to improve machinability, rewritable optical discs, rubber vulcanising.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Tellurium is in group 16, period 5, of the p-block. Its electron configuration [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p4 means its outermost shell holds 6 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Tellurium on the interactive table →
Tellurium — frequently asked questions
What is Tellurium used for?
Thin-film solar cells, alloying to improve machinability, rewritable optical discs, rubber vulcanising.
Is Tellurium radioactive?
No. Tellurium has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Tellurium?
Tellurium has the electron configuration [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p4, which is 2, 8, 18, 18, 6 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Tellurium in?
Tellurium is in group 16, period 5, in the p-block. Its outer shell holds 6 electrons.
Who discovered Tellurium?
Tellurium was discovered in 1782 by Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein.