Germanium (Ge)
Germanium is element 32, a metalloid in period 4, group 14 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.
Electron configuration [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 18, 4
Germanium data
| Atomic number | 32 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Ge |
| Atomic mass | 72.64 u |
| Category | Metalloid |
| Group | 14 |
| Period | 4 |
| Block | p |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 1211 K (937.9 °C) |
| Boiling point | 3093 K (2819.9 °C) |
| Density | 5.323 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.01 |
| Atomic radius | 122 pm |
| 1st ionization energy | 762 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -119 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | -4, +1, +2, +3, +4 |
| Common ion charge | 4+ |
| Discovered | 1886 |
Orbital diagram
Each box is one orbital holding up to two electrons of opposite spin. Following Hund’s rule, electrons spread out singly across a subshell before pairing.
Work through germanium’s configuration and its ions →
Where germanium sits
Germanium belongs to the metalloids. Its Pauling electronegativity of 2.01 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Germanium FAQ
What is the electron configuration of germanium?
Germanium (Z = 32) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p2. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2.
How many valence electrons does germanium have?
4 (outer shell (n = 4)).
What is the atomic mass of germanium?
The standard atomic weight of germanium is 72.64 u, so one mole weighs 72.64 g.
Is germanium a metal?
Germanium is a metalloid: it has properties between metals and nonmetals.
What is the charge of a germanium ion?
Germanium most commonly forms Ge4+.