An atom consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Protons and neutrons form the nucleus, while electrons orbit this core. The number of protons determines the element’s identity and its place on the periodic table. While a neutral atom has equal protons and electrons, a change in the electron count results in a charged particle. The given numbers allow for the definitive identification of the element and its electrical state.
The Role of Protons in Element Identification
The identity of any atom is defined by its number of protons, known as the atomic number (\(Z\)). This number is the single characteristic that differentiates one element from another, and the periodic table is organized entirely by this count.
An atom with 52 protons is Tellurium (Te), located in Group 16 (the chalcogens) and Period 5 of the periodic table. The number of protons remains constant for every atom of Tellurium. If the atom gained or lost a proton, it would transform into a different element entirely.
A neutral atom of Tellurium would have 52 electrons to match its 52 protons. The difference in the electron count from this neutral state determines the particle’s electrical charge.
Determining the Atomic Charge
The particle contains 54 electrons, two more than the 52 protons. Since protons carry a positive charge and electrons carry a negative charge, the net electrical charge is determined by the difference between these counts.
The calculation is: 52 positive charges minus 54 negative charges results in a net charge of \(-2\). This charged atom is called an ion, specifically an anion due to its negative charge. This particle is the Telluride ion, represented by the chemical symbol \(\text{Te}^{2-}\).
The two extra electrons give the Telluride ion a stable, noble-gas-like electron configuration. Because Tellurium is in Group 16, it naturally seeks to gain two electrons to complete its outermost valence shell. This explains why the \(\text{Te}^{2-}\) state is the most common and stable ionic form for Tellurium in chemical compounds.
Characteristics of Tellurium
Tellurium (Te) is classified as a metalloid, exhibiting properties of both metals and nonmetals. In its crystalline form, it is a brittle, silvery-white solid with a metallic luster. It is chemically related to sulfur and selenium, all belonging to the chalcogen group.
The element is relatively rare in the Earth’s crust. Tellurium is a semiconductor, and its electrical conductivity increases when exposed to light, a property known as photoconductivity. This characteristic makes it valuable for technological applications.
Tellurium is widely used in metallurgy, where adding small amounts improves the machinability of copper and steel alloys. A primary modern application is its use in cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells, which efficiently convert sunlight into electricity. It is also used in infrared-sensitive semiconductors and as a component in some blasting caps.