Terbium

What is Terbium?

Terbium is the f-block element. Its atomic number is 65. It is present in the sixth period. The symbol of terbium is Tb. Tb element is silver-white in colour. Terbium electron configuration is [Xe]4f96S2. The electronic configuration of Tb shows that it is the f-block element, as the last electron enters into the f-subshell.

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Properties of Terbium

• Terbium is a silver-white element.

• It occurs in the solid-state at standard temperature and pressure.

• It’s melting point is 1629 K.

• Its boiling point is 3396 K.

• Its density is 8.23 g/cm3.

• Its heat of fusion is 10.15 kJ/mol.

• Its heat of vaporization is 391 KJ/mol.

• Its molar heat capacity is 28.91 J/mol.K.

• It shows five oxidation states: 0, +1, +2, +3, +4.

• It is soft, malleable, and ductile in nature.

• Below 219 K temperature, it possesses ferromagnetic properties and above 219 K temperature, it possesses antiferromagnetic properties.

• Terbium being electropositive in nature oxidises when reacts with an acid.

2 Tb (s) + 3 H2SO4 → 2 Tb3+ + 3 SO2−4 + 3 H2↑

• It gets oxidised in the presence of air and forms terbium oxide.

8Tb + 7O2 → 2Tb4O7

Uses of Terbium

• Terbium is used as a doping agent in different chemicals like calcium fluoride, strontium molybdate, and calcium tungstate for making solid-state devices.

• Terbium is used in making alloys.

• Terbium is used in electrical devices.

• Its oxide is used in making fluorescent devices.

• It is used in detecting endospores.

Harmful Effects of Terbium

• It acts as an irritant when coming in contact with eyes and skin.

• It is mildly toxic in nature. So, it causes harmful effects in the body when ingested.

Did You Know?

• Terbium is an element which never occurs in free form in nature.

• Important ores of terbium are manazite, bastnasite, and cerite.

• India is one of the main mining areas of terbium.