Gallium

From Conservapedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Gallium
Properties
Atomic symbol Ga
Atomic number 31
Classification Other Metals
Atomic mass 69.7 amu
Other Information
Date of discovery 1875
Name of discoverer Paul Emile Lecoq de Boisbaudran
Name origin From the Latin word Gallia, the old name of France
Uses Semiconductor production
Obtained from Bauxite, germanite, coal

Gallium is a silvery-white metal used in high-speed semiconductors and LEDs in the form of gallium arsenide (GaAs). The pure metal is somewhat brittle, and has a very low melting point of 29.78° Celsius (85.2° Fahrenheit). It will melt in your hand if held long enough, but this is not recommended because it stains hands and is difficult to get off.

Uses

It is used in some thermometers in the form of an alloy of gallium, indium, and tin. The reason this alloy is used in thermometers is because it’s a liquid at room temperature and therefore can be used as an alternative to mercury (element), which is poisonous.