Ga
Gallium
Atomic number: 31Mass: 69.723 uCategory: Post-Transition Metal
About Gallium
Gallium is a soft, silvery metal that melts just above room temperature (29.76°C). It is liquid for much of the day in warm climates. Gallium is a key material in semiconductors and LED technology.
Properties
Period
4
Group
13
Block
P
Category
Post-Transition Metal
Electronegativity
1.81 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
578.8 kJ/mol
Melting Point
303 K (30°C)
Boiling Point
2673 K (2400°C)
Density
5.91 g/cm³
Oxidation States
+3
Electron Configuration
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p¹
[Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p¹
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:8e⁻
Shell 3:18e⁻
Shell 4:3e⁻
Real-World Uses
LEDs
Solar cells
Semiconductors
Thermometers
Alloys
Fun Fact
Gallium melts right in your hand at body temperature — it literally turns into a liquid when you hold it!