Gallium (Ga) — Element Properties, Uses & Facts
Overview
Gallium is a chemical element with symbol Ga and atomic number 31. Elemental gallium does not occur in free form in nature, but as the gallium(III) compounds that are in trace amounts in zinc ores and in bauxite. Gallium is a soft, silvery metal, and elemental gallium is a brittle solid at low temperatures, and melts at 29.76 °C (85.57 °F) (slightly above room temperature).
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of Gallium is [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p1, with electron shells of 2, 8, 18, 3.
Physical and chemical properties
Gallium is classified as a transition metal. It has an atomic mass of 69.723 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silver-white.
Real-world uses of Gallium
As a transition metal, Gallium is typically used in alloys, industrial manufacturing, electronics, or as a catalyst in chemical reactions.
Interesting facts about Gallium
- Gallium has the atomic number 31 and chemical symbol Ga.
- It belongs to period 4, group 13 of the periodic table.
- Gallium was discovered by Lecoq de Boisbaudran.
Explore Gallium interactively
Want to compare Gallium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Ga to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.
What is Gallium used for?
As a transition metal, Gallium is typically used in alloys, industrial manufacturing, electronics, or as a catalyst in chemical reactions.
What is the atomic number of Gallium?
The atomic number of Gallium is 31, meaning it has 31 protons in its nucleus.
What is the electron configuration of Gallium?
The electron configuration of Gallium is [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p1.
Is Gallium a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Gallium is classified as a transition metal.