Terbium

Atomic Number: 64
Symbol: Tb
Atomic Mass: 158.93 u
Number of Neutrons: 94
Melting Point: 1356°C
Boiling Point: 3227°C
Electrons per shell: 2.8.18.27.8.2
Electron configuration: [Xe] 4f⁹ 6s²

---

Terbium is the 64th element in the periodic table and it is a lanthanide series. It has a very similar melting and boiling point to gadolinium. It is a silvery-white, rare earth metal that is malleable, ductile, and soft enough to be cut with a knife. Terbium is a fairly electropositive metal (tending to lose electrons and form positive ions in chemical reactions). It also reacts with water, and releases hydrogen gas. Terbium is found in ores and minerals so it is never found as a free element. The most notable ores that it is found in are monazite, bastnasite and cerite. These ores can be found in China, USA, India, Sri Lanka, Brazil and Australia. Smartphones have many elements within them, also terbium. Terbium is used in small amounts to display bright colors. Elements including yttrium and dysprosium are also used for this. Terbium was discovered by a Swedish chemist, Carl Gustaf Mosander in 1843.

Previous Element  Next Element