Question

What is the configuration of the Gallium atom?

Answer 1

Hint : An electron in an atom is characterised by the set of four quantum numbers (n, l, m, s). The distribution of electrons into various orbitals of an atom is called electronic configuration of that atom. Electronic configuration can help in predicting the properties of the atom.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
As we know, the periodic table is divided into four blocks (s, p, d and f). Gallium is a p-block element, having atomic number $31$ . It belongs to the group $13$ , which is also known as the boron family.
The general configuration of elements of group $13$ is:
$n{s^2}n{p^1}$
Thus, the electronic configuration of Gallium atom is:
Ga = $1{s^2}2{s^2}2{p^6}3{s^2}3{p^6}3{d^{10}}4{s^2}4{p^1}$
Ga = ${\left( {Ar} \right)_{18}}3{d^{10}}4{s^2}4{p^1}$
Where, $Ar$ = Argon having atomic number $18$ .

Additional Information:
Gallium is solid at normal room temperature, but it becomes liquid when heated. It is stable in air and water. Highest concentration of Gallium $\left( {0.1 - 1\% } \right)$ is found in the rare mineral Germanite that is a complex sulphite of $Zn, Cu, Ge$ . Gallium nitride can act as a very good semiconductor. Gallium is also used very widely in mobile phones, blue and green LED’s, and pressure sensors for touch switches. It consists of certain properties that contribute to making it very versatile. It has also been observed that when Gallium is added to some specific metals it makes them brittle.

Note :
From the electronic configuration of Gallium we came to know that it belongs to the p-block of the periodic table. By knowing the block of the element we can determine some of its chemical and physical properties. Thus, we can say that electronic configuration plays an important role in determining the behaviour of an element.