Tellurium (Te) — Element Properties, Uses & Facts
Overview
Tellurium is a chemical element with symbol Te and atomic number 52. It is a brittle, mildly toxic, rare, silver-white metalloid. Tellurium is chemically related to selenium and sulfur.
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of Tellurium is [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p4, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 18, 6.
Physical and chemical properties
Tellurium is classified as a metalloid. It has an atomic mass of 127.603 and exists as a solid at standard conditions.
Real-world uses of Tellurium
Tellurium is valued for its semiconducting properties and is used in electronics, alloys, and specialty chemical applications.
Interesting facts about Tellurium
- Tellurium has the atomic number 52 and chemical symbol Te.
- It belongs to period 5, group 16 of the periodic table.
- Tellurium was discovered by Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein.
Explore Tellurium interactively
Want to compare Tellurium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Te to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.
What is Tellurium used for?
Tellurium is valued for its semiconducting properties and is used in electronics, alloys, and specialty chemical applications.
What is the atomic number of Tellurium?
The atomic number of Tellurium is 52, meaning it has 52 protons in its nucleus.
What is the electron configuration of Tellurium?
The electron configuration of Tellurium is [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p4.
Is Tellurium a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Tellurium is classified as a metalloid.