What is Gallium? Definitions, and Examples
Gallium is a chemical element with the symbol Ga and atomic number 31. It is in group 13 of the periodic table, and thus has similarities to the other metals of that group, aluminum, indium, and thallium. Gallium does not occur as a free element in nature, but as gallium(III) compounds in trace amounts in zinc ores and in bauxite. The purest known gallium metal has 99.9999% purity and was prepared by electrolysis of a gallium(III) chloride solution. Commercial grades of gallium metal can be 99% pure or less.
What is gallium?
Gallium is a chemical element with the symbol Ga and atomic number 31. Gallium is a soft, silvery metal, and elemental gallium is a brittle solid at low temperatures, and melts at 29.76 °C (85.57 °F) (slightly above room temperature). Gallium liquid expands by 3.1% when it solidifies; therefore, it should not be stored in glass or metal containers because the container may rupture when frozen.
What is the melting point of Gallium
The melting point of gallium is 29.76 degrees Celsius (85.56 degrees Fahrenheit). This means that gallium will melt at a lower temperature than most other metals. For example, the melting point of iron is 1538 degrees Celsius (2800 degrees Fahrenheit).
What is the boiling point of Gallium?
The boiling point of gallium is 2204 °C (3999 °F), making it one of only a few metals with a boiling point lower than that of water. When exposed to air, gallium quickly tarnishes to a dull grayish-white color.
What are the properties of gallium?
Gallium is a chemical element with the symbol Ga and atomic number 31. It is in group 13 of the periodic table, and thus has similarities to the other metals of that group, aluminum, indium, and thallium. Gallium does not occur as a free element in nature, but as part of the minerals sphalerite (ZnS), germanite (Zn-Fe-Ga oxide), and hydrargillite (Cu-Al-Zn hydroxide).
Elemental gallium is a soft, silvery metal at standard temperature and pressure; however in its liquid state it becomes silvery white. If too much force is applied, the gallium may fracture like glass. Gallium is one of only four elemental metals that are liquid at or near room temperature (the others being mercury, cesium, and rubidium).
Where is gallium found?
Gallium is a chemical element with the symbol Ga and atomic number 31. Gallium is found in small quantities in the Earth’s crust, but its main use is in semiconductor production. Gallium arsenide (GaAs) is used in microwave circuits and infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs).
What are some uses for gallium?
Some uses for gallium include:
-An alloy of 70% gallium and 30% indium is used as a liquid mirror reflector in astronomical telescopes because it has a lower melting point than the other materials used for this purpose.
-High purity (99.9999%) gallium metal is used as a raw material for making semiconductor devices such as integrated circuits, lasers, and solar cells.
-Gallium arsenide (GaAs) is used in microwave applications due to its superior electron mobility over other semiconductor materials.
-Gallium nitride (GaN) is used in blue and violet light emitting diodes (LEDs), and also in high power and high frequency transistors.
Are there any dangers associated with gallium?
Yes, there are some dangers associated with gallium. If it is ingested, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It can also be corrosive to the skin and eyes. If inhaled, it can irritate the respiratory system.
Conclusion
Gallium is an element with a number of unique properties. It has a very low melting point, and it is also notable for its high thermal conductivity. Gallium is used in a variety of applications, including electronics and metallurgy. In addition, gallium is considered to be non-toxic, making it an attractive choice for use in various industries.
