Reactivity & Chemical Bonding
Chemical Behavior & Oxidation States
Thulium exhibits chemical reactivity characteristic of the lanthanide family, governed by an electronegativity of 1.25 and standard valence interactions.
Z = 69Lanthanide
Launch 3D Atom & Orbitals LabThulium
Tm
Standard Atomic Mass: 168.93 u
Period 6Group 3F-Block
Chemical Specimen/Tm
Concentric Electron Shells6 Energy Levels
n=1: 2e⁻→
n=2: 8e⁻→
n=3: 18e⁻→
n=4: 31e⁻→
n=5: 8e⁻→
n=6: 2e⁻
Scientific Monograph • Lanthanide
3D Atom SimulatorThulium (Tm) Scientific Profile
Thulium (Tm) is an element with atomic number 69, classified as a lanthanide. Positioned in Period 6, Group 3, and F-block, its chemical and physical profile is defined by its electron configuration ([Xe]4f¹³6s²) and periodic trends.
Interactive Virtual Labs Available for Thulium
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
[Xe]4f¹³6s²
Electronegativity
1.25 Pauling
Year Discovered
1879
Orbital Shells
6 Principal Levels
Orbital Block
f-block orbital
Group / Period
G: 3 • P: 6
Technological Utility
Industrial & Energy Applications
Thulium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.
Biological Role
Biomedical Profile & Toxicity
Thulium 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 Thulium are synthesized through stellar nucleosynthesis and supernovae r-processes. On Earth, Thulium is concentrated in specific ore deposits or synthesized in nuclear accelerators.
Frequently Asked Questions about Thulium
Q
What are the key physical and atomic properties of Thulium?
Thulium (Tm) has an atomic number of 69 and a standard atomic mass of 168.93 u. It is positioned in Period 6, Group 3, in the F-block, and is classified within the Lanthanide category.
Q
What is the electron configuration of Thulium?
The ground-state electron configuration of Thulium is [Xe]4f¹³6s². Its 69 electrons are distributed across 6 principal energy levels (2, 8, 18, 31, 8, 2).
Q
Why does Thulium exhibit an electron configuration exception?
Thulium 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 Thulium?
Thulium is utilized in industrial fabrication, materials engineering, electronic manufacturing, and advanced laboratory research based on its specific thermodynamic properties.