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Origin / Meaning of the name Germanium
The name originates from
the the Latin word Germania meaning 'Germany' where it was
discovered and isolated by the German chemist, Clemens-Alexander
Winkler.
Periodic Table Group and Classification of the of the Germanium Element
Elements can be classified based on their physical states (States
of Matter) e.g. gas, solid or liquid. This element is a solid. Germanium is classified as a "Metalloid" element and is located in
Groups 13, 14,15, 16 and 17 of the Periodic Table. An element
classified as one of the Metalloids has
the properties of both metals and
Non-Metals. Some are semi-conductors and can carry an electrical
charge making them useful in calculators and computers.
Facts about the
Discovery and
History of the Germanium
Element
Germanium was discovered by
Clemens Winkler
in Germany in 1886. Mendeleev called it "ekasilicon"
History of the Periodic Table
Check out the brief
History of the
Periodic Table which details dates and the names of famous
scientists and chemists who contributed to the development of
the Periodic Table.
Occurrence of the Germanium Element
Found in argyrodite (sulfide
of germanium and silver), coal; germanite and
Zinc ores
Abundances of the element in different environments
% in Universe
0.00002%
% in Sun 0.00002%
% in Meteorites 0.0021%
% in Earth's Crust 0.00014%
% in Oceans 6×10-9%
% in Humans N/A
Associated Uses of Germanium
Electric guitar amplifiers
Semi-conductor
An alloying agent
Infra-red spectroscopes and optical equipment
Camera and microscope lenses
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