Terbium (Tb)
Terbium is element 65, a lanthanide in period 6 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.
Electron configuration [Xe] 4f9 6s2
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 18, 27, 8, 2
Terbium data
| Atomic number | 65 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Tb |
| Atomic mass | 158.925 u |
| Category | Lanthanide |
| Group | — (f-block) |
| Period | 6 |
| Block | f |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1629 K (1355.9 °C) |
| Boiling point | 3503 K (3229.9 °C) |
| Density | 8.219 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.2 |
| Atomic radius | — |
| 1st ionization energy | 566 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -50 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | +1, +3, +4 |
| Common ion charge | 3+ |
| Discovered | 1843 |
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 terbium’s configuration and its ions →
Where terbium sits
Terbium belongs to the lanthanides. Its Pauling electronegativity of 1.2 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Terbium FAQ
What is the electron configuration of terbium?
Terbium (Z = 65) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p6 4f9 6s2. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Xe] 4f9 6s2.
How many valence electrons does terbium have?
2 (2 in the outer s subshell).
What is the atomic mass of terbium?
The standard atomic weight of terbium is 158.925 u, so one mole weighs 158.925 g.
Is terbium a metal?
Yes. Terbium is a lanthanide.
What is the charge of a terbium ion?
Terbium most commonly forms Tb3+.