Question

What is the electron configuration of \[Ga\]?

Answer 1

Hint: We need to know that gallium is an element having atomic symbol \[Ga\], and atomic number of $31$. It belongs to group $13$ and period $4$. It comes under the p block element that has all metal, nonmetals and metalloids. Out of which gallium comes under the metalloid category that has characteristics of both metal and non-metal.

Complete answer:
As we know, the atomic number of gallium is $31$. It is easy to find the electronic configuration of any element when we know its atomic number. Gallium has $31$ protons and $31$ electrons. Gallium has one electron more to come to stable electronic configuration. On losing one electron gallium attains stable electronic configuration.
Electronic configuration of gallium can be represented as:
\[Ga:\left[ {Ar} \right]{\text{ }}3{d^{10}}4{s^2}4{p^1}\]
In numerical order electronic configuration can be represented as:
\[1{s^2}2{s^2}2{p^6}3{s^2}3{p^6}3{d^{10}}4{s^2}4{p^1}\]
Properties of gallium can be represented below:
1. Gallium is a soft, silvery metal just like aluminium.
2. Boiling point of gallium is usually high, thus it is used in thermometers.
3. Since it is a semiconductor, it has particular properties that make it very versatile. It has important uses in Blu-ray technology, mobile phones, blue and green LEDs and pressure sensors for touch switches.
4. It is also used in red LEDs (light emitting diodes)

Note:
We have to know that elemental gallium is not found in nature, but it is easily obtained by smelting. Very pure gallium is a silvery blue metal that fractures conchoidally like glass. Gallium liquid expands by $3.10\% $ when it solidifies; therefore, it should not be stored in glass or metal containers because the container may rupture when the gallium changes state.