The outermost electrons of an atom, those involved in chemical bonding, dictate its reactivity and the types of compounds it forms. For tellurium, a metalloid in Group 16 of the periodic table, these electrons reside in the outermost shell and are responsible for its interactions with other elements. Specifically, tellurium possesses six electrons in its valence shell, influencing its chemical behavior.
The existence of six outermost electrons enables tellurium to form a variety of chemical bonds. It can achieve a stable octet configuration by gaining two electrons, sharing electrons through covalent bonds, or forming ionic bonds. This versatile bonding capability is crucial to tellurium’s application in various technological fields, including semiconductors, solar cells, and thermoelectric devices. Its behavior also informs our understanding of the properties of related elements and compounds.
