Physical Properties
How this element behaves in real-world conditions.
- State (25°C)
- Solid
- Density
- 5.323 g/cm³
- Melting Point
- 938.25 °C
- Boiling Point
- 2833 °C
Atomic Structure
Core identity and periodic table positioning.
Electromagnetic Properties
How this element attracts and exchanges electrons.
- Electronegativity
- 2.01
- Ionization Energy
- 7.9 eV
- Electron Affinity
- 1.35 eV
- Metallic Character
- Metalloid
Hero / Identity Section
Core identity profile for Germanium with periodic placement and electron context.
- Element Name
- Germanium
- Symbol
- Ge
- Atomic Number
- 32
- Atomic Mass
- 72.63
- Group
- 14
- Period
- 4
- Block
- P
- Category
- Metalloid
- Standard State
- Solid
- Electron Configuration (Full)
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p2
- Electron Configuration (Noble Gas)
- [Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p2
- Valence Electrons
- 4
Quick Facts Card (Table Layout)
Fast-reference values for physical and energetic properties.
Atomic Radius
125 pm
Ionic Radius
Not available in current dataset
Electronegativity (Pauling)
2.01
1st Ionization Energy
7.9 eV
Electron Affinity
1.35 eV
Density
5.323 g/cm³
Melting Point
938.25 °C
Boiling Point
2,833 °C
Heat Capacity
Not available in current dataset
Thermal Conductivity
Not available in current dataset
Visual Components
Visual learning views for table position, shells, orbitals, and phase behavior.
Highlighted Position in Periodic Table Grid
Ge
Row 4, Column 14
Bohr Model Diagram
Ge
Educational shell model for electron arrangement.
Electron Shell Diagram
- K shell2
- L shell8
- M shell18
- N shell4
Orbital Configuration Diagram
1s2/2
2s2/2
2p6/6
3s2/2
3p6/6
4s2/2
3d10/10
4p2/6
Phase Illustration
Solid
Solid lattice
Atomic Structure Section
Nuclear composition and electron shielding interpretation.
- Protons
- 32
- Neutrons (Most Abundant Isotope Estimate)
- 41
- Electrons
- 32
- Electron Configuration Breakdown
- 2 • 8 • 18 • 4
- Shielding Explanation
- Core electrons (~28) shield part of the nucleus, reducing attraction felt by outer electrons compared with the full nuclear charge.
- Effective Nuclear Charge (Estimate)
- 4
Chemical Properties Section
Category-guided chemistry behavior with periodic context for comparison.
- Common Oxidation States
- Variable (often positive and negative depending on compound)
- Reactivity Summary
- Intermediate behavior between metals and nonmetals; chemistry depends on bonding context.
- Acid/Base Behavior
- Can form amphoteric oxides and network-forming compounds.
- Bonding Behavior
- Often covalent/network bonding with semiconducting behavior.
- Typical Compounds
- Oxides, Semiconducting compounds, Hydrides
- Periodic Trend Comparison (Group Neighbors)
- Compared with Si, this element is lower in the group and typically has a larger atomic size and lower ionization tendency. Compared with Sn, this element is higher in the group and often shows a smaller radius with stronger effective attraction to valence electrons.
Isotopes & Nuclear Data
Isotope stability and abundance notes for learning-oriented nuclear context.
- Stable Isotopes
- Stable isotopes are known. Most abundant isotope is commonly represented near Ge-73.
- Radioactive Isotopes
- Radioactive isotopes exist alongside stable isotopes.
- Natural Abundance (%)
- Naturally occurring with isotope-dependent abundance.
- Half-life (If Applicable)
- Stable isotopes have no half-life; radioactive isotopes have isotope-specific half-lives.
- Nuclear Spin (Optional Advanced)
- Advanced isotope-level data is not included in the current core dataset.
- Most Abundant Isotope (Estimate)
- Ge-73
Applications & Uses
How this element appears in industry, biology, medicine, and technology.
- Industrial Uses
- Foundational in glass, ceramics, semiconductor wafers, and specialty alloys.
- Biological Role
- Some have trace biological relevance; others are not biologically essential.
- Medical Use
- Selected compounds used in diagnostics and therapeutic formulations.
- Technological Relevance
- Key to microelectronics, sensors, and energy materials.
- Environmental Impact
- Can enter ecosystems via mining/refining and persist in certain chemical forms.
Safety & Handling
General hazard guidance for educational reference and lab awareness.
- Toxicity
- Dose/form dependent; inhalation and chronic exposure controls are important.
- Flammability
- Generally low as bulk solids; powders may burn under strong ignition.
- Storage Considerations
- Store dry, avoid dust generation, and segregate reactive compounds.
- Regulatory Classification
- Regulated by compound-specific exposure and environmental release standards.