Germanium is used in semiconductor and optical materials.
Uses and research
It has properties between those of typical metals and nonmetals.
Between familiar metals and nonmetals
This guide classifies it as a metalloid, a useful label for elements with some properties between typical metals and nonmetals. The exact membership can vary between references. A category label alone does not determine conductivity, hardness or every other property: structure, temperature and composition also matter.
What the atomic number tells us
Germanium has atomic number 32. This is the number of protons in its nucleus. A neutral atom also has 32 electrons. Losing or gaining electrons makes an ion; it does not change the element unless the proton count changes.
The model's rings help count electrons by shell. They are not actual circular paths. A model of one atom and the properties of a whole material are different levels of description.
Temperature and state
25°C: Solid
Illustrative particle motion: sizes, distances and speeds are not to scale. Particles represent atoms or molecules.
← CoolHeat →
Melting point 938.25°C / Boiling point 2,832.85°C
Pure element at 1 atmosphere. Image conditions are explained in captions. Pictures do not change with temperature.