52
Tellurium
Atomic Number52
Atomic Mass127.60 u
CategoryMetalloid
State at Room TempSolid
Year Discovered1783
About Tellurium
Named after Tellus, the Latin word for Earth. One of the rarest elements in Earths crust. Alloyed with steel and copper to improve machinability. Cadmium telluride is used in thin-film solar panels. Tellurium compounds have a strong garlic-like odor on the breath of those exposed. Used in thermoelectric devices that convert heat to electricity.
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