Gallium
Gallium, Ga, is a soft silvery metallic main group element, found in
Group IIIb of
the periodic table.
- Atomic Number : 31
- Relative Atomic Mass : 69.72
- Melting Point : 30 degC
- Boiling Point : 2403 degC
- Relative Density : 6
Discovery
Gallium was discovered by Lecoq de Boisbaudran in 1875AD, when he
was studying zinc blende from the Pyrennees.
Occurrence
Gallium is widely distributed in minute quantities. It occurs in
germanite ore at approximately 0.5% level.
Extraction
Gallium is isolated by the electrolysis of the alkaline solutions of
its salts.
Properties
Gallium is a soft metal with a low melting point.
Uses
Gallium is used
- in thermometers for temperatures up to 100 degC, where it
is a liquid in alloy with indium and tin,
- in the semi-conductor industry in the manufacture of diodes
and transistors.
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