Is germanium a metal?

Germanium is a metalloid, which means it shows properties of both metals and nonmetals.

How many protons does germanium have?

Germanium has 32 protons. Its atomic number is 32, which is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom of germanium.

What group and period is germanium in?

Germanium is in group 14 and period 4 of the periodic table, in the p-block.

What is the atomic mass of germanium?

The atomic mass of germanium is 72.63 u (unified atomic mass units).

Element 32

Germanium (Ge)

Metalloid · Period 4 · Group 14 · p-block

Germanium (Ge) is element 32 of the periodic table, a metalloid in period 4, group 14 (p-block) with an atomic mass of 72.63 and is a solid at standard conditions.

At a glance

Atomic number: 32
Symbol: Ge
Atomic mass: 72.63 u
Category: Metalloids
Period: 4
Group: 14
Block: p-block
Phase at STP: solid

Electron structure

Electron configuration: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p2
Shorthand configuration: [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2
Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 18, 4
Oxidation states: -4, -3, -2, -1, +1, +2, +3, +4

Physical properties

Melting point: 1,211.4 K (938.25 °C)
Boiling point: 3,106 K (2,832.85 °C)
Density: 5.323 g/cm³
Phase: solid

Atomic properties

Electronegativity (Pauling): 2.01
Atomic radius: 125 pm
Covalent radius: 122 pm
Van der Waals radius: 211 pm
First ionization energy: 762 kJ/mol
Electron affinity: 119 kJ/mol

Notable isotopes

Notable isotopes of Germanium: mass number, atomic mass, natural abundance, and stability.
Isotope	Mass	Abundance	Stability
Ge-74	73.92118	36.28%	Stable

Common uses

Fiber optics
Infrared optics
Solar cells
Transistors

Discovery

Year: 1886
Discovered by: Clemens Winkler
Country: Germany

Frequently asked questions

Is germanium a metal?: Germanium is a metalloid, which means it shows properties of both metals and nonmetals.
How many protons does germanium have?: Germanium has 32 protons. Its atomic number is 32, which is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom of germanium.
What group and period is germanium in?: Germanium is in group 14 and period 4 of the periodic table, in the p-block.
What is the atomic mass of germanium?: The atomic mass of germanium is 72.63 u (unified atomic mass units).

Keep exploring

Germanium's row is on the printable element property sheet, and its tile is on the periodic table wall chart - the same numbers as above, laid out for A4 or A3 paper.