Periodic table / Terbium

Overview

Terbium is a chemical element with symbol Tb and atomic number 65. It is a silvery-white rare earth metal that is malleable, ductile and soft enough to be cut with a knife. Terbium is never found in nature as a free element, but it is contained in many minerals, including cerite, gadolinite, monazite, xenotime and euxenite.

Electron configuration

The electron configuration of Terbium is [Xe] 4f9 6s2, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 27, 8, 2.

Physical and chemical properties

Terbium is classified as a lanthanide. It has an atomic mass of 158.925 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery white.

Real-world uses of Terbium

Terbium, a lanthanide, is used in magnets, electronics, lighting, and other specialized high-tech applications.

Interesting facts about Terbium

• Terbium has the atomic number 65 and chemical symbol Tb.
• It belongs to period 6, group 3 of the periodic table.
• Terbium was discovered by Carl Gustaf Mosander.

Explore Terbium interactively

Want to compare Terbium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Tb to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.