Question

Eka silicon is now called as :
A.Gallium
B.Scandium
C.Germanium
D.Indium

Answer 1

Germanium can be found between silicon and tin. These are present in group fourteen of the periodic table. These elements are distributed across the periodic table in a certain manner that the metals are present on the left side of the table and nonmetals on the right side of the table. Germanium is a very hard, lustrous and brittle metalloid which is a property that lies between metals and nonmetals.

Complete step-by-step answer: Eka silicon is now known as Germanium thus the correct option is $\left( {{\text{ }}C{\text{ }}} \right).$
We know that elements don’t usually are present as natural forms in nature thus this is too not present naturally. This is because these elements are free in nature and are too reactive. It has a structure similar to that of diamond. Its properties are the same as that of physical and chemical properties of silicon. There is an allotrope of germanium which is called as$\alpha - germanium$. This has metallic luster and a cubic structure. Just like water and antimony, germanium is one of few substances which expands as it solidifies from molten state.
In presence of air, the elemental germanium starts to oxidize. This occurs slowly due to the presence of oxygen. This results in the formation of $Ge{O_2}$.Germanium is insoluble in dilute acid and alkalis. In the presence of sulphuric acid which is hot and concentrated, it reacts violently with molten alkalis to produce germanates $\left( {GeO} \right).$

Note: Germanium occurs mostly in the oxidation state $+ 4$ although many $+ 2$ compounds are known. It can be used as a semiconductor by being doped with arsenic and other elements. It can also be used as a transistor in different electronic devices. It acts as a catalyst in various areas. With fluorescent lamps, it is used as an alloying agent.