Germanium (Ge)

About Germanium

Germanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ge and atomic number 32, meaning every atom has 32 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Metalloid and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 72.630 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Germanium sits in group 14, period 4, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Germanium

In daily life and industry, Germanium is used for Optical fibre. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Metalloid category.

Electron Structure of Germanium

Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Germanium has 4 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 4 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.

Explore Other Elements

Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.

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