Atomic Number
52
Element 52
Tellurium (Te)
Tellurium is a chemical element with symbol Te and atomic number 52. It is a brittle, mildly toxic, rare, silver-white metalloid.
Atomic Mass
127.6 u
Category
Metalloid
Period
5
Group
Group 16: oxygen group
Phase
solid
Density
6.24 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 18, 6
Atomic Structure
Protons: 52. Electrons: 52. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁴
Why Tellurium Matters
Tellurium helps connect atomic number 52, metalloid behavior, period 5 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 127.6 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p⁶ 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁴ make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Tellurium was discovered 1782 by Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein. Tellurium is a chemical element with symbol Te and atomic number 52. It is a brittle, mildly toxic, rare, silver-white metalloid.
Safety and Handling Context
Tellurium is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Tellurium?
- Tellurium has atomic number 52, which means a neutral atom has 52 protons and 52 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Tellurium?
- The chemical symbol for Tellurium is Te.
- What category is Tellurium in?
- Tellurium is classified as a metalloid and sits in period 5 of the periodic table.
Explore Tellurium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Tellurium to neighboring elements without losing your place.