Tellurium (symbol Te, atomic number 52) is a brittle metalloid used in thin-film solar panels and alloys. It is classified as a metalloid and sits in group 16, period 5 of the periodic table.
Overview
Tellurium is the chemical element with atomic number 52 and the symbol Te. With a standard atomic weight of 127.6, it is a metalloid. In the periodic table it occupies group 16 and period 5, and under standard conditions it is normally a solid. Tellurium is a brittle metalloid used in thin-film solar panels and alloys.
Atomic structure
An atom of Tellurium has 52 protons in its nucleus and, when neutral, 52 electrons arranged in the configuration [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p4. Its standard atomic weight of 127.6 reflects the natural mix of its stable isotopes.
Discovery and place in the table
Tellurium was discovered in 1782 by Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein. It follows Antimony (Sb) and precedes Iodine (I) in order of atomic number.
| Atomic number | 52 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Te |
| Atomic mass | 127.6 |
| Category | Metalloid |
| Group | 16 |
| Period | 5 |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p4 |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Discovered | 1782 (Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein) |