1. Physical and chemical properties of gallium

1.1 Physical properties

Gallium is one of four elements (including mercury, cesium and rubidium) that can be liquid at room temperature. In fact, it has a low melting point (29.78°C). However, its boiling point is very high (2,403°C). Once liquefied, it undercools and remains liquid up to around 2,000°C. Its vapor pressure is very low: 10 mm Hg at 1,570°C. Its density at 29.6°C is 5.904 g/cm ³ . In its solid state, the metal is silvery white and soft enough to be cut with a knife.

Gallium wets almost all surfaces. It forms a shiny mirror when deposited on glass or porcelain. It diffuses rapidly into the lattice of certain metals, alloying with most of them. It is a component of low-melting alloys. It is completely...