Atomic Number
32
Element 32
Germanium (Ge)
Germanium is a chemical element with symbol Ge and atomic number 32. It is a lustrous, hard, grayish-white metalloid in the carbon group, chemically similar to its group neighbors tin and silicon.
Atomic Mass
72.63 u
Category
Metalloid
Period
4
Group
Group 14: carbon group
Phase
solid
Density
5.323 g/cm3
Electron Shells
2, 8, 18, 4
Atomic Structure
Protons: 32. Electrons: 32. Neutrons: Varies by isotope.
Electron configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p²
Why Germanium Matters
Germanium helps connect atomic number 32, metalloid behavior, period 4 trends, and electron shell structure. Its solid phase, atomic mass of 72.63 u, and electron configuration 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 4s² 3d¹⁰ 4p² make it useful for comparing bonding patterns across the periodic table.
Discovery and Occurrence
Germanium was discovered 1886 by Clemens Winkler. Germanium is a chemical element with symbol Ge and atomic number 32. It is a lustrous, hard, grayish-white metalloid in the carbon group, chemically similar to its group neighbors tin and silicon.
Safety and Handling Context
Germanium is presented here for learning and comparison. Pure elements and laboratory compounds can have hazards that depend on dose, form, and setting.
Related Elements
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the atomic number of Germanium?
- Germanium has atomic number 32, which means a neutral atom has 32 protons and 32 electrons.
- What is the chemical symbol for Germanium?
- The chemical symbol for Germanium is Ge.
- What category is Germanium in?
- Germanium is classified as a metalloid and sits in period 4 of the periodic table.
Explore Germanium in 3D
Use the interactive table above to rotate atomic models, compare periodic trends, and move from Germanium to neighboring elements without losing your place.