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Germanium is an essential chemical element with semiconducting properties. Its chemical symbol is Ge. Germanium is lustrous, hard-brittle, grayish – white type element. In this article, we will learn each and every aspect related to germanium, such as what it is, its properties, uses, and many more details.
What is Germanium?Germanium is a metalloid in the carbon group that is chemically similar to tin and silicon. Germanium is placed in the 14th group in periodic table, which is placed in between silicon and tin. Germanium is a hard, brittle, lustrous type element. It is very reactive type element so it can not occur freely, however it is mostly distributed element. Germanium was predicted by Mendeleev in his periodic table and named it ekasilicon. Germanium in Periodic TableThe details of the Germanium from periodic table is given below:
Germanium SymbolThe symbol of Germanium is Ge. It is shown in the image below:
Chemical Data of GermaniumThe chemical details of germanium element is tabulated below:
Properties of GermaniumWe can study the properties of Germanium under following two headings:
Let’s learn them in detail below: Physical Properties of GermaniumThe physical of Germanium are mentioned below:
Chemical Properties of GermaniumThe chemical properties of Germanium are mentioned below: Reactivity: Germanium is a metalloid and exhibits both metallic and non-metallic properties. It’s less reactive than metals such as sodium or potassium, but it’s more reactive than nonmetals such as carbon or silicon. Oxidation States: Germanium typically exhibits oxidation states of +2 and +4 in its compounds. Reaction with Acid and Base: Germanium compounds such as Germanium Oxide are amphoteric in nature means they can react with both acid and bases Reaction with Halogens: Germanium can react with halogen elements to form halides such as GeF4, GeCl4 Isotopes of GermaniumIsotopes are atoms with same atomic number but different mass number. There are total seven possible isotopes of germanium out of which five are naturally occurring.
Production of GermaniumGermanium can be found in the Earth’s crust is approximately 1.6 ppm. However, Germanium is produced primarily as a byproduct of zinc ore processing, although it can also be obtained from some copper and lead ores Germanium can be widely produced from the ore sphalerite. Sphalerite ore is converted to the germanium oxides by heating in the presence of air, this process is known as roasting. The oxide of germanium is reduced by using carbon form germanium.
The germanium oxide thus obtained is reduced using hydrogen producing germanium element which is then used in semiconductor industry\
When germanium is used by steel industry, it is often reduced using carbon
Uses of GermaniumThe uses of Germanium are as follows: Semiconductor Industry: Germanium is used as a semiconductor material in electronics and optoelectronics. It was one of the earliest materials used in semiconductor devices, such as diodes and transistors. Optical Fibers: Germanium dioxide (GeO2) is used as a dopant in the production of optical fibers for telecommunications. Solar Cells: Germanium-based solar cells are used in certain photovoltaic applications, particularly in space and satellite technology. Catalysis: Germanium compounds, such as germanium dioxide (GeO2) are used as catalyst Alloys: Germanium is used as an alloying element in certain metal alloys, such as in aluminum-germanium alloys used in aerospace and automotive applications Also, Check Germanium FAQsWhat is the germanium used for?
Where is germanium found on Earth?
Is germanium magnetic?
Is germanium used in phones?
What is Germanium family?
Is germanium a metalloid?
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Reffered: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org
| School Chemistry |
Type: | Geek |
Category: | Coding |
Sub Category: | Tutorial |
Uploaded by: | Admin |
Views: | 11 |