|
|
|
germanium |
|
| |
|
| Symbol Ge. The element with atomic number 32 and relative atomic mass 72.61, which lies immediately below silicon in Group 14. Its chemistry is dominated by compounds with oxidation number +4, as for silicon. Like silicon, it forms a colourless volatile liquid chloride, GeCl{TAG(tag=>sub)}4{TAG}, which is rapidly hydrolysed, and a white solid oxide, GeO{TAG(tag=>sub)}2{TAG}, which is amphoteric rather than acidic, following the usual trend down a group. Germanates exist that resemble silicates, although their complexity is not so profound. The most useful substance is the element itself which is, again like silicon, a semiconductor with widespread uses in the electronics industry. |
|
|
|
|
Bookmark this page:
|
|
|
|
<< former term |
|
next term >> |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
