31Ga69.723
Gallium
Post-transition metalsSofter metals with lower melting points, often used in alloys and solders.
[Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p¹
- Atomic number
- 31
- Atomic mass
- 69.723
- Protons
- 31
- Neutrons
- 39 (most common)
- Electrons
- 31
- Shells
- 2, 8, 18, 3
- State at 25 °C
- Solid
- Position
- Group 13, period 4
Proton (+)Neutron (0)Electron (−)
Discovered byPaul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran, 1875Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran: 3 elements
He spotted it by its light and named it after Gallia, the Latin name for France. Mendeleev had predicted it as eka-aluminium.
Did you know?
- It melts at about 29.8 °C, so it melts in your hand.
- It was one of the first proofs that Mendeleev's table could predict new elements.
Where it's found
- Traces in bauxite and zinc ores
What it's used for
- LEDs
- Fast phone chargers (gallium nitride)
- Solar cells
Try it
The melting spoonVirtual lab only
- 1Stir a cup of warm tea with a gallium spoon in the virtual lab.
What you'll see: The spoon melts away into a silvery puddle.