Quick answerGermanium (Ge) is a metalloid with atomic number 32 and an atomic mass of 72.63 (2023), in group 14, period 4. It was discovered by Clemens Winkler in 1886. It is used for fibre optics and infrared lenses. Its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2.
Germanium was the semiconductor of the first transistors and radios, and today it sharpens fibre-optic networks and infrared lenses.
Key facts
| Symbol | Ge |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 32 |
| Atomic mass | 72.63 (IUPAC standard atomic weight, 2023) |
| Category | metalloid |
| Group | 14 |
| Period | 4 |
| Block | p-block |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p2 |
| Discovered | Clemens Winkler, 1886 |
| Uses | fibre optics, infrared lenses, semiconductors, solar cells, catalysts |
Quick quiz
Three questions from the facts on this page. No sign-up, no score is saved.
Keep exploring
- Periodic table — all 118 elements
- Boron (B) — another metalloid, atomic number 5
- Silicon (Si) — another metalloid, atomic number 14
- Arsenic (As) — another metalloid, atomic number 33
- Antimony (Sb) — another metalloid, atomic number 51
- Tellurium (Te) — another metalloid, atomic number 52
Sources & last updated
- CIAAW — Standard Atomic Weights
- PubChem Periodic Table
- Wikipedia — Timeline of chemical element discoveries
Last updated: . Figures are shown with their year; where sources disagree, the value is left out rather than estimated.