Tellurium (Te)

About Tellurium

Tellurium is a chemical element with the symbol Te and atomic number 52, meaning every atom has 52 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Metalloid and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 127.60 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Tellurium sits in group 16, period 5, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Tellurium

In daily life and industry, Tellurium is used for Solar cells. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Metalloid category.

Electron Structure of Tellurium

Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Tellurium has 4 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 24 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.

Explore Other Elements

Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.

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