Relative Atomic Mass of Tellurium: Properties, Isotopes, and Industrial ApplicationsTellurium is a fascinating and rare element with significant industrial uses. Found in the periodic table with the symbol Te and atomic number 52, this metalloid has characteristics of both metals and non-metals. One of the most important chemical properties that scientists and industries focus on is the relative atomic mass of tellurium. In this topic, we will explore tellurium’s atomic mass, isotopes, physical and chemical properties, how it is used, and why this element is valuable in modern technology.
What Is Tellurium?
Tellurium is a brittle, silver-white element that looks metallic but behaves like a non-metal in many chemical reactions. It is part of the chalcogen group, along with oxygen, sulfur, selenium, and polonium. Though not abundant in the Earth’s crust, tellurium plays an important role in several technological and industrial fields, including electronics and metallurgy.
Key Properties of Tellurium:
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Symbol: Te
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Atomic number: 52
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Group: 16 (Chalcogens)
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Period: 5
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Density: 6.24 g/cm³
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Melting point: 449.5°C
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Boiling point: 988°C
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Appearance: Silvery-white, brittle metalloid
Relative Atomic Mass of Tellurium
The relative atomic mass of tellurium is 127.60. This value represents the weighted average of all naturally occurring isotopes of tellurium, accounting for their natural abundance. Chemists use this number when performing calculations for chemical reactions and when determining the amounts needed in industrial applications.
Understanding Relative Atomic Mass
Relative atomic mass refers to the average mass of an atom of an element, measured relative to one-twelfth the mass of a carbon-12 atom. Because elements often exist as mixtures of isotopes, the relative atomic mass is not a whole number but rather a decimal value reflecting the weighted average of all isotopes. For tellurium, the presence of multiple isotopes significantly influences its atomic mass.
Natural Isotopes of Tellurium
Tellurium is unique because it has several naturally occurring isotopes. These isotopes differ in mass but are chemically identical. The naturally occurring isotopes of tellurium include:
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Tellurium-120 (Te-120) – Abundance: ~0.09%
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Tellurium-122 (Te-122) – Abundance: ~2.55%
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Tellurium-123 (Te-123) – Abundance: ~0.89%
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Tellurium-124 (Te-124) – Abundance: ~4.74%
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Tellurium-125 (Te-125) – Abundance: ~7.07%
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Tellurium-126 (Te-126) – Abundance: ~18.84%
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Tellurium-128 (Te-128) – Abundance: ~31.74%
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Tellurium-130 (Te-130) – Abundance: ~33.2%
Because Te-128 and Te-130 are the most abundant isotopes, they heavily influence the calculation of the relative atomic mass.
How Is the Relative Atomic Mass of Tellurium Calculated?
The relative atomic mass is calculated by multiplying each isotope’s mass by its natural abundance and then summing the results. For tellurium, the dominance of Te-128 and Te-130 creates an average atomic mass of 127.60, as listed on the periodic table.
Importance of the Relative Atomic Mass of Tellurium
1. Chemical Accuracy
In laboratories, chemists use the relative atomic mass of tellurium to calculate precise amounts needed for reactions. Even a small error can result in inaccurate outcomes.
2. Industrial Formulations
Industries use tellurium in various alloys, solar panels, and semiconductors. Accurate knowledge of its atomic mass is essential for achieving the correct formulation in products.
3. Material Science
Material scientists rely on the relative atomic mass for precise calculations when creating new materials that include tellurium for electronic or optical uses.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Tellurium
Physical Properties:
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Tellurium is brittle and can easily break or shatter.
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It has a metallic luster and silvery appearance.
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In powder form, it is grayish-black.
Chemical Properties:
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Tellurium reacts with oxygen to form tellurium dioxide.
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It can form compounds with metals and non-metals, including tellurides and tellurates.
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In the presence of strong acids, it can form tellurium compounds used in various industrial processes.
Where Is Tellurium Found?
Tellurium is rare and not found in large deposits. It typically occurs as a byproduct of copper refining or in ores like calaverite and sylvanite, which are gold and silver tellurides. The largest producers of tellurium are countries like China, Canada, Peru, and Russia.
Extraction Process of Tellurium
The extraction of tellurium begins with the smelting of copper ores. During this process, tellurium is separated from other metals and purified through electrolysis and chemical treatments. The purified tellurium is then used in various industrial applications.
Industrial and Technological Uses of Tellurium
1. Thermoelectric Devices
Tellurium is used to create thermoelectric materials that convert heat into electricity. These devices are used in power generation, especially in space missions and specialized equipment.
2. Alloys
Small amounts of tellurium are added to steel, copper, and lead to improve their machinability and strength. It makes the metals easier to shape and more resistant to wear.
3. Solar Panels
Cadmium telluride (CdTe) is an important compound used in thin-film solar cells. CdTe solar panels are efficient and cost-effective, making them popular in renewable energy production.
4. Semiconductors
Tellurium compounds are essential in semiconductors, used in transistors, diodes, and other electronic components.
5. Optical Applications
Tellurium is used in the production of special glasses and lenses that have unique optical properties, often for infrared optics.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
While tellurium is not highly toxic, exposure to tellurium compounds in high amounts can cause health problems, including headaches and gastrointestinal discomfort. Industrial environments that work with tellurium maintain strict safety protocols to limit exposure and ensure safe handling.
Market Trends and Demand for Tellurium
The global demand for tellurium has been steadily increasing due to the growth of the solar energy sector and advancements in thermoelectric technology. The majority of tellurium consumption comes from the production of cadmium telluride solar cells, followed by use in alloys and semiconductors.
Interesting Facts About Tellurium
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Tellurium was discovered in 1782 by Franz-Joseph Müller von Reichenstein in Transylvania.
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Its name comes from the Latin word tellus,” meaning “earth.”
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Tellurium can cause a strong garlic-like smell on the breath if ingested or inhaled in significant amounts.
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It is one of the few elements that can be toxic in large doses but essential in trace amounts for certain organisms.
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Tellurium has a crystalline structure and can conduct electricity better in certain directions due to its unique lattice form.
Future of Tellurium in Technology
The future of tellurium looks promising with its growing importance in renewable energy and advanced materials science. As the world moves toward cleaner energy solutions, CdTe solar panels are expected to play a larger role, increasing the demand for tellurium. In addition, ongoing research in thermoelectric technology could open new uses for this element in energy-efficient devices.
The relative atomic mass of tellurium is 127.60, a value that represents the average mass of all its isotopes found in nature. This element, though rare, holds enormous value in industries ranging from electronics and metallurgy to solar energy and thermoelectric devices. Its unique properties, both physical and chemical, make it indispensable for creating advanced materials and technologies.
Whether used in solar panels to capture renewable energy, in thermoelectric devices to convert heat into electricity, or in improving the strength and performance of metals, tellurium continues to play a quiet but critical role in modern life. Understanding its relative atomic mass helps chemists, engineers, and manufacturers harness its full potential with precision and care.
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