Germanium (Ge): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Germanium (Ge): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p2 · group 14 · period 4 · Ar 72.63
Germanium data
- Atomic number
- 32
- Relative atomic mass
- 72.63
- Group
- 14
- Period
- 4
- Block
- p
- Category
- Metalloid
- Electron configuration
- [Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p2
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p2
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 4 (K L M N)
- Valence electrons
- 4
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 2.01
- First ionisation energy
- 7.9 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 211 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 938 °C
- Boiling point
- 2833 °C
- Density
- 5.323 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +4, +2
- Discovered
- 1886
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 18 · N 4
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About germanium
Germanium, symbol Ge, is element number 32 in the periodic table. It is a metalloid in group 14, period 4, p-block. Germanium was first discovered in 1886. Germanium is a solid at room temperature, melting at 938 °C and boiling at 2833 °C.
Germanium electron configuration
The electron configuration of germanium is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p2, or in short [Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p2. Its electrons occupy 4 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 18, N = 4. Germanium has 4 valence electrons in the N shell (4s2 4p2), which is why it sits in group 14.
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p6(10) → 3s2(12) → 3p6(18) → 4s2(20) → 3d10(30) → 4p2(32)
Uses of germanium
Well-known applications of germanium include optical fibres, infrared lenses and high-purity germanium detectors for gamma-ray spectroscopy. For research and analysis you can browse germanium compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
Germanium metal is generally safe to handle, but avoid breathing its dust and read the SDS before using Germanium compounds. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 14
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of germanium?
The electron configuration of germanium (Ge, atomic number 32) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p2, or [Ar] 4s2 3d10 4p2 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 18, 4.
How many valence electrons does germanium have?
Germanium has 4 valence electrons.
Which group and period is germanium in?
Germanium is in group 14, period 4, p-block.
What is the atomic mass of germanium?
The relative atomic mass of germanium is 72.63. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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