Selenium (Se) Fun Facts
"The Moonbeam, a hero whose power grows in the light, used in the 'electric eye' of photocopiers."
The true essence of Selenium (Se) on the molecular frontier.
Selenium is a gray metalloid that conducts electricity when light shines on it.
Selenium is found in the blue-tinted glass on some buildings.
Selenium is the key weakness for the alien creatures in the movie Evolution.
Test your knowledge with more interactive quizzes on the periodic table.
Reinforce what you learned with quick flashcard decks.
Master the elements with smart drills and rapid-fire revision sessions.
Did You Know?
It has the unusual property of photoconductivity, meaning it conducts electricity better when light is shining on it. This property was used in early photocopiers.
It was named after Selene, the Greek goddess of the Moon, because it was always found in nature associated with tellurium (named after Tellus, the Roman goddess of the Earth).
While toxic in large amounts, selenium is an essential trace nutrient for humans and animals, acting as an important antioxidant.
Eating too much selenium can lead to a condition called selenosis, with symptoms that include garlic-scented breath and hair loss.
Selenium is used to give glass a red color and to decolorize green glass.