Specific weight of germanium, properties, applications and values table
Germanium is a chemical element of the fourth group of the main subgroup of the corresponding table of elements. In its simple form, germanium is a typical semiconductor of white color with a gray shade and a metallic luster.
In nature, this type of material occurs in iron ore, sulfide ore, and is also contained in silicates of almost all types.
This material is used as a semiconductor in transistors and other types of electronic devices in the electrical engineering industry. It is also widely used in infrared and fiber optics.
Germanium has no proven biological significance for living organisms, although some compounds are gaining popularity as components of medicines whose effectiveness has not yet been proven.
Table of the specific weight of germanium
Since germanium is a complex material, it is not possible to calculate its specific weight independently in field conditions. These calculations are carried out in specialized chemical laboratories. However, the average specific weight of germanium is known and equals 5.35 g/cm³.
To simplify calculations, the table below presents the values of the specific weight of germanium, as well as such a parameter as the weight of germanium depending on the units of calculation.
| Material | Specific weight (g/cm³) | Weight of 1 m³ (kg) |
| Germanium | 5.35 | 5350 |
Properties of germanium
The element germanium is a brittle semimetal of white color with a silvery shade and a cubic crystal lattice of the diamond type. This material has a melting point of 938.25 degrees Celsius. Its boiling point is 2850 degrees Celsius. The density of this material is 5.33 g/cm³.
A distinctive feature of germanium is its ability to increase density during melting. Thus, the density of solid germanium is 5.327 g/cm³ at 25 degrees Celsius, while the density of liquid germanium is 5.557 g/cm³ at a temperature of 1000 degrees Celsius. This feature is also characteristic of elements and substances such as silicon, antimony, gallium, bismuth, water and cerium.
In terms of electrophysical properties, germanium is an indirect-bandgap semiconductor.
This material, in a doped state as a thin film, passes into a superconducting state at low temperatures.
Under normal conditions, this type of material is resistant to water, air, acids and alkalis, but it is soluble in an alkaline solution of hydrogen peroxide, as well as in aqua regia.
By percentage ratio, the applications of germanium can be divided into the following areas of use:
- Production of fiber optics — 35 percent
- Production of thermal imaging optics — 30 percent
- Creation of chemical catalysts — 15 percent
- Use in electronics — 15 percent
- Use in metallurgy — 5 percent
Germanium has excellent properties for use in the production of various types of optics. Its high level of transparency to infrared rays makes it possible to use germanium effectively for creating infrared lenses, optics, prisms and windows for optical-type sensors. However, the main purpose of germanium in this area is its use in the production of thermal imaging cameras.
In electronics, germanium is used as a component of microwave devices and as a stable thermoelectric material in thermoelectric alloys.
Germanium has also found application in nuclear physics as a material for gamma detectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the density of germanium be used for precise calculations?
The density and weight values for germanium in this article are reference values. They are suitable for preliminary estimates, but design, construction, production and other critical calculations should be checked against standards, material datasheets or measurement results.
Why can the actual weight of germanium differ from the table?
The actual weight of germanium depends on composition, moisture, temperature, porosity, fraction size, material grade and measurement conditions. Because of this, real values may differ from the average table data.
How do you calculate the mass of germanium from density?
For an approximate calculation, use the formula: mass = density × volume. If the density of germanium is given in kg/m³ and the volume is in m³, the result will be in kilograms.