What is the symbol of the element Gallium?

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent 21 July 2019 (shift 1st)

Explanation

The internationally recognized chemical symbol for the element Gallium is Ga.
Gallium is a post-transition metal with the atomic number 31 on the periodic table.
It is famously known for its low melting point of 29.76 °C (85.57 °F), which allows it to turn from a solid to a liquid in a person's hand.

Option A: The symbol 'Gl' is not the correct symbol for Gallium and is not used for any element in the modern periodic table.
Option C: The single letter 'G' is not the symbol for Gallium.
Option D: 'Gm' is not a symbol for a chemical element.

Visual 1: Periodic Table - An infographic of the periodic table with the element Gallium (Ga) highlighted in Group 13 to show its position and symbol.
Visual 2: Image - A photograph showing solid Gallium metal melting in a person's hand, illustrating its uniquely low melting point.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Knowledge of chemical element symbols from the periodic table as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While elemental Gallium is not used in direct patient care, its radioisotope, Gallium-67, is crucial in nuclear medicine.
A Gallium scan uses Gallium-67 to detect and monitor conditions like infections, inflammation (e.g., sarcoidosis), and certain cancers (e.g., lymphomas), as the isotope accumulates in these areas.
What if the question asked for the symbol of Germanium? The answer would be Ge. These two elements are sometimes confused due to their similar-sounding names and proximity on the periodic table.

How to Approach the Question

Recognize that this is a factual recall question from basic chemistry, a subject included in nursing entrance exams.
Identify the key term in the question: 'Gallium'.
Recall the conventions for chemical symbols: they are typically one or two letters, derived from the element's name, with the first letter capitalized.
Evaluate the options based on this knowledge. 'Ga' is the correct two-letter symbol for Gallium.
Use the process of elimination. If you are unsure, try to rule out options you know are incorrect. For example, you might know 'G' is used for other things in science (like Guanine), making it an unlikely symbol for a metallic element.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full RRB Nsg. Superintendent 21 July 2019 (shift 1st)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.