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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Selenium and Tellurium?

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Selenium and tellurium are two chemical elements that belong to group 16 of the periodic table. They are located adjacent to each other and share some similarities, but there are key differences between them:

  1. Nature of the Element: Selenium is a non-metal, while tellurium is a metalloid.
  2. Biological Function: Selenium is required in trace amounts for biological function in cells of most animals, but tellurium has no biological function.
  3. Applications: Tellurium has various applications, such as an alloying element, a semiconductor, pigments for ceramics, an oxidizer, and in producing iodine-131. Selenium has various applications too, but they are different from those of tellurium.
  4. Electronic Configuration: The electronic configuration of selenium is [Ar] 3d^10 4s^2 4p^4, while that of tellurium is [Kr] 4d^10 5s^2 5p^4.
  5. Melting and Boiling Points: Selenium has a lower melting point (494 K) and boiling point (958 K) compared to tellurium, which has a melting point of 722.66 K and a boiling point of 1261 K.

In summary, selenium and tellurium are both part of group 16 elements, but they have different natures, biological functions, and applications. Selenium is a non-metal, while tellurium is a metalloid, and they have distinct electronic configurations, as well as different melting and boiling points.

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  • What is the Difference Between Selenium and Tellurium?
  • Comparative Table: Selenium vs Tellurium

    • Comparative Table: Selenium vs Tellurium

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Selenium and Tellurium:

    Property Selenium Tellurium
    Classification Non-metal Metalloid
    Electronic Configuration Selenium has an electron configuration of 4s² 4p⁴ Tellurium has an electron configuration of 5s² 5p⁴
    Oxidation States Selenium can exhibit oxidation states of -2, +2, +4, and +6 Tellurium can exhibit oxidation states of -2, +2, +4, and +6
    Biological Function Selenium is required in trace amounts for biological function in cells of most animals Tellurium has no known biological function
    Allotropic Forms Selenium has several allotropic forms, such as black, red, and gray selenium Tellurium does not have allotropic forms
    Reactivity Selenium and Tellurium react with most elements but not as readily as sulfur does Selenium and Tellurium react with most elements but not as readily as sulfur does
    Catenation Both elements can form chains, but the tendency to catenate decreases down the group Both elements can form chains, but the tendency to catenate decreases down the group
    Structure Selenium atoms are found in the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, which destroys lipid-damaging peroxides, and are essential cofactors in the function of the thyroid gland Tellurium is often found in soils and in plant tissues that have bioaccumulated the element, and it is a component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase

    Please note that some properties may overlap, but the table highlights the key differences between the two elements.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.