Germanium (Ge)
Germanium (Ge, element 32) is a metalloid in group 14, period 4. Atomic mass 72.63, electron configuration [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p², uses and facts.
About Germanium
Germanium is a metalloid with the symbol Ge and atomic number 32. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 14, period 4 of the periodic table. Germanium was discovered in 1886 by Clemens Winkler.
Germanium key facts
- Atomic number: 32
- Symbol: Ge
- Atomic mass: 72.63 u
- Category: metalloid
- Group: 14
- Period: 4
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 2.01
- Melting point: 1211.4 K (938.25 °C)
- Boiling point: 3106 K (2832.85 °C)
- Density: 5.323 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: −4, 0, +1, +2, +3, +4
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of germanium is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells. Germanium has 4 valence electrons.
Uses of germanium
- Semiconductors
- Fiber optics
- Infrared optics
Did you know?
Mendeleev predicted this element 15 years before it was found, calling it 'eka-silicon'.
Other elements in group 14 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of germanium?
The atomic number of germanium is 32, which means every germanium atom has 32 protons.
What is the electron configuration of germanium?
The electron configuration of germanium is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p².
What group and period is germanium in?
Germanium is a metalloid in group 14, period 4.
What state is germanium at room temperature?
Germanium is a solid at room temperature.
What is germanium used for?
Germanium is used for semiconductors, fiber optics, infrared optics.