Science · Periodic table

Terbium

Tb · Atomic number 65 · lanthanide

Quick answerTerbium (Tb) is a lanthanide with atomic number 65 and an atomic mass of 158.93 (2023), in period 6. It was discovered by Carl Gustaf Mosander in 1843. It is used for green phosphors and fluorescent lamps. Its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f9 6s2.

Terbium is the green phosphor in screens and lamps, and its alloys move the sonar and actuators of submarines.

Key facts

SymbolTb
Atomic number65
Atomic mass158.93 (IUPAC standard atomic weight, 2023)
Categorylanthanide
Group— (f-block element, no group number)
Period6
Blockf-block
Electron configuration [Xe] 4f9 6s2
DiscoveredCarl Gustaf Mosander, 1843
Usesgreen phosphors, fluorescent lamps, magnetostrictive alloys, sonar systems, solid-state devices

Quick quiz

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1. What is the chemical symbol of Terbium?

2. What is the atomic number of Terbium?

3. Which category does Terbium belong to?

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Sources & last updated

Last updated: . Figures are shown with their year; where sources disagree, the value is left out rather than estimated.