Gallium (Ga): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Gallium is element 31 on the periodic table, a post-transition metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DGallium quick facts
| Atomic number | 31 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ga |
| Atomic mass | 69.723 |
| Category | Post-Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 13, period 4 |
| Block | p-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p¹ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 3 |
| Discovered | 1875, Lecoq de Boisbaudran |
What is gallium used for?
- LEDs and Blu-ray lasers (GaN)
- Solar cells
- Semiconductors
Interesting facts about gallium
- Gallium melts in the palm of your hand at 29.8°C. Just below body temperature
- Mendeleyev predicted gallium's existence before discovery (he called it eka-aluminium)
- Liquid gallium wets glass and can be painted on to make a brilliant mirror
Gallium was discovered in 1875 by Lecoq de Boisbaudran in France.
Where gallium sits on the periodic table
Gallium is in group 13, period 4. Tap any element to open its page.
Other post-transition metals
Gallium questions
What is the atomic number of gallium?
Gallium has atomic number 31, so every gallium atom has 31 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Ga and its atomic mass is 69.723.
Is gallium a metal?
Gallium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a post-transition metal, found in group 13, period 4.
What is the electron configuration of gallium?
The electron configuration of gallium is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p¹. Its electrons sit in 4 shells: 2, 8, 18, 3.
What is gallium used for?
Gallium is used for leds and blu-ray lasers (gan), solar cells and semiconductors.
Who discovered gallium?
Gallium was discovered in 1875 by Lecoq de Boisbaudran in France.
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