Gallium is a chemical element with the symbol Ga and atomic number 31.
periodic table
Elemental gallium is a soft, silvery metal at standard temperature and pressure; however in its liquid state it becomes silvery white.
It is in group 13 of the periodic table, and thus has similarities to the other metals of the group, aluminium, indium, and thallium.
Gallium does not occur as a free element in nature, but as gallium(3) compounds in trace amounts in zinc ores and in bauxite
Elemental gallium is a liquid at temperatures greater than 29.76 °C (85.57 °F), and will melt in a person’s hands at normal human body temperature of 37 °C (99 °F). The melting point of gallium is used as a temperature reference point.
Gallium alloys are used in thermometers as a non-toxic and environmentally friendly alternative to mercury, and can withstand higher temperatures than mercury.
Since its discovery in 1875, gallium has been used to make alloys with low melting points. It is also used in semiconductors as a dopant in semiconductor substrates.
Gallium is predominantly used in electronics.
Surface mount- Electronic Components
Gallium arsenide, the primary chemical compound of gallium in electronics, is used in microwave circuits, high-speed switching circuits, andinfrared circuits. Semiconducting gallium nitride and indium gallium nitride produce blue and violet light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and diode lasers. Gallium is also used in the production of artificial gadolinium gallium garnet for jewelry. Gallium is considered a technology-critical element.
