Tellurium (Te): Bohr Model, Protons, Neutrons & Electrons
Tellurium is element number 52, a metalloid in group 16, period 5. Its atom has 52 protons, 78 neutrons and 52 electrons arranged in 5 shells: 2, 8, 18, 18, 6.
Protons, neutrons and electrons in tellurium
The atomic number of tellurium is 52, so every tellurium atom has 52 protons. A neutral atom has the same number of electrons, 52. The number of neutrons depends on the isotope: neutrons = mass number − atomic number. For tellurium-130, that is 130 − 52 = 78 neutrons. Tellurium has 8 stable isotopes, with 68, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 76, 78 neutrons.
How to draw the Bohr model of tellurium
- Draw the nucleus and write 52 p⁺ and 78 n⁰ inside it.
- Draw the first shell and put 2 electrons on it (the first shell holds at most 2).
- Draw the second shell and put 8 electrons on it.
- Draw the third shell and put 18 electrons on it.
- Draw the fourth shell and put 18 electrons on it.
- Draw the fifth shell and put 6 electrons on it.
- Check: 2 + 8 + 18 + 18 + 6 = 52 electrons, the same as the number of protons.
From potassium onwards the shells don’t simply fill as 2, 8, 8: the fourth shell starts before the third is full, so the real arrangement above (2, 8, 18, 18, 6) is the one to draw.
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of tellurium is [Kr] 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁴. Its 6 outer electrons decide how it reacts: it tends to gain 2 more, forming Te²⁻ ions.
Key facts about tellurium
| Symbol | Te |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 52 |
| Relative atomic mass | 127.6 |
| Group · period · block | group 16 · period 5 · p-block |
| Type | Metalloid |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Electron shells | 2, 8, 18, 18, 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Kr] 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁴ |
| Valence electrons | 6 |
| Common ion | Te²⁻ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.10 |
| First ionisation energy | 9.01 eV (869 kJ/mol) |
| Atomic radius (empirical) | 140 pm |
Where tellurium sits on the periodic table
Frequently asked questions
How many protons, neutrons and electrons does tellurium have?
Tellurium has 52 protons and 52 electrons (atomic number 52). Its most common isotope, tellurium-130, has 130 − 52 = 78 neutrons.
What is the electron configuration of tellurium?
[Kr] 5s² 4d¹⁰ 5p⁴. In shells that is 2, 8, 18, 18, 6.
How many valence electrons does tellurium have?
6. Tellurium is in group 16, and its outer shell holds 6 electrons.
Where is tellurium on the periodic table?
In group 16, period 5, in the p-block. It is a metalloid.
