Tellurium (Te)
Tellurium is element 52, a metalloid in period 5, group 16 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.
Electron configuration [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p4
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 18, 18, 6
Tellurium data
| Atomic number | 52 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Te |
| Atomic mass | 127.6 u |
| Category | Metalloid |
| Group | 16 |
| Period | 5 |
| Block | p |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 723 K (449.9 °C) |
| Boiling point | 1261 K (987.9 °C) |
| Density | 6.24 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.1 |
| Atomic radius | 135 pm |
| 1st ionization energy | 869 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -190 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | -2, +2, +4, +5, +6 |
| Common ion charge | 2− |
| Discovered | 1782 |
Orbital diagram
Each box is one orbital holding up to two electrons of opposite spin. Following Hund’s rule, electrons spread out singly across a subshell before pairing.
Work through tellurium’s configuration and its ions →
Where tellurium sits
Tellurium belongs to the metalloids. Its Pauling electronegativity of 2.1 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Tellurium FAQ
What is the electron configuration of tellurium?
Tellurium (Z = 52) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p4. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p4.
How many valence electrons does tellurium have?
6 (outer shell (n = 5)).
What is the atomic mass of tellurium?
The standard atomic weight of tellurium is 127.6 u, so one mole weighs 127.6 g.
Is tellurium a metal?
Tellurium is a metalloid: it has properties between metals and nonmetals.
What is the charge of a tellurium ion?
Tellurium most commonly forms Te2−.