Semiconductor of the week

Germanium (Ge) is a elemental semiconductor. Its atomic number is 32 and has an atomic weight of 72.59 and has a melting point of 937.4 degrees celcius. The element is brittle rather than ductile; the atoms in its crystals are arranged as are the carbon atoms in diamond. It is oxidized at 600°–700° C (1,100°–1,300° F) and reacts quickly with the halogens to form tetrahalides. Germanium forms stable oxidation states of +2 and +4, the compounds of the latter being more stable and numerous. The two most important compounds of germanium are the dioxide (GeO₂) and the tetrachloride (GeCl₄). Germanates, formed by heating the dioxide with basic oxides, include zinc germanate (Zn₂GeO₄), used as a phosphor (a substance that emits light when energized by radiation). The tetrachloride, already mentioned as an intermediate in obtaining germanium from its natural sources, is a volatile, colourless liquid that freezes at about -50° C (-58° F) and boils at 84° C (183.2° F).

Welcome to Chembalancer

Ahh.... to relive high school chemistry problems. I remember enjoying these problems more as a 16 year old. Conservation of mass was such an eye opener; now it seems like old hat. Some basic algebraic knowledge helped me navigate these exercises.

Genearl Chemistry: Balancing Equations

I am ready to help my son in a year or two when he takes high school chemistry.