Why does Gallium Melt Very Soon?
Gallium has a relatively low melting point compared to many other metals, which is one of the reasons it melts at a relatively low temperature that why Gallium Melt very Soon. The key factor contributing to gallium’s low melting point is its unique atomic structure and bonding.
In the case of gallium, the atoms are held together by metallic bonds. Metallic bonds occur when metal atoms share their outer electrons in a “sea” of delocalized electrons. This bonding arrangement allows for the free movement of electrons throughout the metal structure, which gives metals their characteristic properties such as electrical conductivity and malleability.
Gallium Melt Very Soon
In gallium, the metallic bonds are relatively weak compared to other metals. This is due to the combination of gallium’s atomic size and electronic configuration. Gallium atoms are relatively large, and the outermost electrons are not strongly attracted to the positively charged nucleus. As a result, the metallic bonds in gallium are weaker, requiring less energy to break them and transition from a solid to a liquid state.
The weak metallic bonds in gallium contribute to its low melting point of approximately 29.8 degrees Celsius (85.6 degrees Fahrenheit). This means that at or above this temperature, the thermal energy provided to the gallium atoms is sufficient to overcome the attractive forces between them, causing the solid gallium to transition into a liquid state.
Table: Properties of Gallium
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Atomic Number | 31 |
| Symbol | Ga |
| Melting Point | 29.8°C (85.6°F) |
| Boiling Point | 2,403°C (4,357°F) |
| Density | 5.91 g/cm³ |
| Atomic Mass | 69.72 atomic mass units (u) |
| Group | 13 (Boron Group) |
| Period | 4 |
| Electron Configuration | [Ar] 3d10 4s2 4p1 |
Best IIT-Jam Coaching in Mulund
Name of Classes: Chemspark Academy
Contact: 098208 93251
Address: Shree Samarth Plaza, 315,3rd floor, RRT Rd, near RAILWAY STATION, Mulund, Mulund West, Maharashtra 400080.