Gallium (Ga)
Gallium (Ga, element 31) is a post-transition metal in group 13, period 4. Atomic mass 69.723, electron configuration [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p¹, uses and facts.
About Gallium
Gallium is a post-transition metal with the symbol Ga and atomic number 31. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 13, period 4 of the periodic table. Gallium was discovered in 1875 by Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran.
Gallium key facts
- Atomic number: 31
- Symbol: Ga
- Atomic mass: 69.723 u
- Category: post-transition metal
- Group: 13
- Period: 4
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p¹
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.81
- Melting point: 302.91 K (29.76 °C)
- Boiling point: 2673 K (2399.85 °C)
- Density: 5.91 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +1, +2, +3
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of gallium is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p¹. The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells. Gallium has 3 valence electrons.
Uses of gallium
- Semiconductors
- LEDs
- Solar cells
Did you know?
Gallium melts in your hand, its melting point is just 29.8°C (85.6°F).
Other elements in group 13 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of gallium?
The atomic number of gallium is 31, which means every gallium atom has 31 protons.
What is the electron configuration of gallium?
The electron configuration of gallium is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p¹.
What group and period is gallium in?
Gallium is a post-transition metal in group 13, period 4.
What state is gallium at room temperature?
Gallium is a solid at room temperature.
What is gallium used for?
Gallium is used for semiconductors, LEDs, solar cells.