Gallium
Gallium is the 31st element on the periodic table of elements.[2] Some of its properties are listed below:[2]
Atomic weight | 69.723 |
Density (at 0oC) | 5.91 g/cm3 |
Boiling point | 2502 K |
Melting point | 302.9146 K |
Gallium is a soft, light silver metal. It largely exists as a trace element in minerals and compounds. Gallium is unique in its low melting point (average human body temperature is enough to melt it) but a high boiling point.[2]
Gallium Uses
Gallium arsenide and gallium nitride are used in red and blue/green LED lights, respectively. Both compounds are also used in semiconductors. Gallium arsenide has a molecular structure similar to silicon and can act as a substitute, particularly in electronics, and was used in the solar panels for the Mars Rover. Gallium nitride is also used Blu-ray technology, mobile phones, and pressure sensors for touch switches.[2]
Gallium will alloy with most metals and is often used in low-melting point alloys due to its own low melting point. Gallium's high boiling point makes it useful for recording high temperatures that would normal destroy a regular thermometer, since it takes very high temperatures for gallium to reach the point of vapourisation. It is sometimes used as non-toxic substitute for mercury in regular thermometers.[4]
Isotopes
Gallium has two isotopes found in nature:[2]
Symbol | Natural Abundance |
---|---|
69Ga | 60.108% |
71Ga | 39.892% |
Video
The video below is from the University of Nottingham's periodic videos project.[5] They have created a complete suite of short videos on every element on the periodic table of elements.
For Further Reading
- Periodic table of elements
- Metal
- Greenhouse effect
- Pollution
- Or explore a random page
References
- ↑ Made internally by a member of the Energy Education team.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Royal Society of Chemistry Periodic Table, Gallium [Online], Available: http://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/31/gallium
- ↑ Wikimedia Commons, File:6N Gallium sealed in vacuum ampoule.jpg [Online], Available: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:6N_Gallium_sealed_in_vacuum_ampoule.jpg
- ↑ John Emsley, "Nature’s Building Blocks: An A-Z Guide to the Elements", Oxford University Press, New York, 2nd Edition, 2011.
- ↑ See more videos from the University of Nottingham on different elements here: http://www.periodicvideos.com/