Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Tellurium exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the metalloid family, governed by an electronegativity of 2.1 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 52Metalloid
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabTellurium
Te
Standard Atomic Mass: 127.6 u
Period 5Group 16P-Block
Chemical Specimen/Te
Concentric Electron Shells5 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 18e⁻→
n=5: 6e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Metalloid
3D Atom SimulatorTellurium (Te) Scientific Profile
Tellurium (Te) is an element with atomic number 52, classified as a metalloid. Positioned in Period 5, Group 16, and P-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Kr]4d¹⁰5s²5p⁴) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Tellurium
3D Orbitals & Valence Lab
Simulate concentric quantum energy levels, observe valence electron spins, and examine live atomic clouds in full 3D.
Electronic Configuration Lab
Experiment with Aufbau subshell ordering, explore orbital occupancy, and analyze quantum configuration exceptions.
Electron Config
[Kr]4d¹⁰5s²5p⁴
Electronegativity
2.1 Pauling
Year Discovered
Ancient Era
Orbital Shells
5 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
p-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 16 • P: 5
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Tellurium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Tellurium does not play a prominent biological role in human biochemistry, existing primarily as a trace element or mineral component in natural ecosystems.
Geochemistry & Abundance
Cosmic & Terrestrial Occurrence
Elements like Tellurium are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Tellurium is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tellurium
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Tellurium?
Tellurium (Te) has an atomic number of 52 and a standard atomic mass of 127.6 u. It is positioned in Period 5, Group 16, in the P-block, and is classified within the Metalloid category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Tellurium?
The ground-state electron configuration of Tellurium is [Kr]4d¹⁰5s²5p⁴. Its 52 electrons are distributed across 5 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 18, 6).
Q
Why does Tellurium exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Tellurium follows standard Aufbau principle orbital filling. Transition metals and heavy elements optimize their shell filling based on subshell exchange energy and electrostatic stability.
Q
What are the primary commercial and laboratory uses of Tellurium?
Tellurium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.