Group 13 (IIIA)
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| Atoms and Molecules - Periodic Table |
Group 13 is sometimes referred to as the boron group, named for the first element in the family. These elements are--not surprisingly--located in column 13 of the periodic table. This group includes boron, aluminum, gallium, indium, thallium, and ununtrium (B, Al, Ga, In, Tl, and Uut, respectively). These elements all have three valence electrons. Boron is the only metalloid in this family. The rest of the elements are considered to be poor metals.
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Boron
Boron is used in detergents (i.e. Borax) and in boric acid, which is used as an antiseptic.
Aluminum
Many people encounter aluminum every day. It is used in a variety of packaging materials, such as aluminum cans and aluminum foil. Aluminum is also used in mirrors, toys, and deodorants.
Gallium
Gallium is an important element to the field of electronics and technology. It is used in chips and LED lamps. It is useful in these fields because it is a semiconductor.
Indium
Indium is also important in technology and electronics. It is found in photocells and transistors. Indium is also found in solid state lasers.
Thallium
Thallium and compounds containing thallium are very toxic and thus not very common. Thallium is sometimes found in photocells and low-melting glass.
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