Name |
|
Symbol |
Ga |
Atomic Number |
31 |
Atomic Mass |
70.924 |
Number of Protons |
31 |
Number of Electrons |
31 |
Number of Neutrons |
39 |
Melting Point |
29.76 Degrees Celsius |
Boiling Point |
2,400 Degrees Celsius |
Normal Phase |
solid |
Family |
Metal |
Period |
4 |
Group |
13 |
Origin of Name |
Gallium comes from the Latin word Gallia which means France |
Date and Place of Discovery |
Gallium was discovered by Paul Emile Lecouq de Boisbaudran in 1875 |
Interesting Facts |
- When held in your hand it becomes liquid and then refreezes when removed - Used to produce blue light or violet LEDs - Does not react with air or water because of its oxide layer - Used in some thermometers - Gallium ions appear to have antibiotic properties, causing bacteria to die - Does not occur in natural state but is extracted from several minerals |
Common Uses |
- used in some medical thermometers as non-toxic substitutes for mercury - gallium is primarily important for microelectronics, specifically microwaves. |