Tellurium (Te)
Tellurium (Te) is element 52, a metalloid. Atomic mass 127.6, configuration [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁴. Properties, isotopes, oxidation states, uses and history, with an interactive 3D atom model.
Key facts
| Atomic number | 52 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Te |
| Standard atomic weight | 127.60(3) |
| Category | Metalloid |
| Group | 16 |
| Period | 5 |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p⁴ |
| Valence electrons | 6 |
| Common oxidation states | -2, +2, +4, +6 |
| Common ions | No common ions |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.1 |
| First ionization energy | 869 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 190.2 kJ/mol |
| Atomic radius | 140 pm |
| Density | 6.232 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 449.57°C |
| Boiling point | 988°C |
| Specific heat | 0.202 J/(g·°C) |
Natural isotopes
- Te-125: Stable
- Te-126: Stable
- Te-128: Stable
- Te-130: Radioactive
Common uses
- Solar panels
- Alloys (improve machinability)
- Thermoelectric devices
Where it matters
- Renewable Energy (CdTe Solar Panels)
- Rewritable optical discs
Hazards
- Toxic
- ingestion causes garlic-like breath
History
| Discovered | 1782 |
|---|---|
| Discovered by | Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein |
| Name | From Latin tellus (Earth) |