Entity: GALLIUM
Gallium is a bluish-white metallic element that is soft, silvery, and liquid near room temperature. It is used in semiconductors, optoelectronic devices, high-temperature thermometers, and various low-melting alloys.
GALLIUM
Etymology
The name 'gallium' is derived from the Latin word 'Gallia,' meaning France, where it was discovered.
Definition
Gallium is a bluish-white metallic element that is obtained as a by-product in refining various ores. It is soft, silvery, and liquid near room temperature, with high boiling and low melting points.
Historical Context
Discovered in 1875 by French chemist Paul-Émile Lecoq de Boisbaudran, gallium has since found applications in semiconductors, optoelectronic devices, high-temperature thermometers, and low-melting alloys.
Cultural Significance
Gallium's unique properties have made it a valuable element in modern technology, contributing to advancements in electronics and materials science.
Related Concepts
Gallium is chemically similar to aluminum and shares some properties with other metals in the periodic table.
See Also
A rare, steel-gray, trivalent metallic element with a high boiling point and low melting point, used in various industrial applications.