Germanium (Ge) - Element 32 | Properties & Electron Configuration

What is Germanium?

Germanium (Ge) is element 32, a metalloid in period 4, group 14. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p².

Atomic Number32
SymbolGe
Atomic Mass72.63 u
CategoryMetalloid
Period4
Group14
Blockp
Electron Configuration1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p²
Short Config[Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p²
Electronegativity2.01
Atomic Radius122 pm
Ionization Energy762 kJ/mol
Electron Affinity119 kJ/mol
Phase (STP)Solid

Electron Configuration

The full electron configuration of Germanium is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p². In noble gas shorthand, this is written as [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p².

Germanium is a p-block element in group 14, period 4.

Periodic Trends

Electronegativity: Germanium has a Pauling electronegativity of 2.01. Within group 14, electronegativity generally decreases down the group.

Atomic Radius: 122 pm. Across period 4, atomic radius generally decreases left to right as nuclear charge increases.

Ionization Energy: 762 kJ/mol. Ionization energy generally increases across a period and decreases down a group.

View all 118 elements with trend overlays for electronegativity, atomic radius, ionization energy, and electron affinity.

Explore Germanium on the Interactive Periodic Table

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