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Why is aluminium greater size than gallium?

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Ga is less than Al because outermost valence shell electronic configuration of both is ns 2 np 1 but in case of Al it is 3s 2 3p 1 and for Ga it is 4s 2 4p 1. Now as before Ga 10 electrons are filled in d-orbital which has poor shielding effect. So effective nuclear charge increases and valence shell faces more attraction and hence smaller in size than Al. read more

Unlike Al, Ga has electrons in its d orbitals. The result on the atomic radii, from Al to Ga, is a departure from the trend of increasing radii that is normally seen down other families (e.g. the halogens, the alkaline metals or the alkaline-earths). read more

The atomic radius of the Ga is less than Al because of poor screening effect. The atomic radius of Ga is slightly lesser than of Al because in going from Al to Ga, the electrons have already occupied 3d sub shell in Ga. read more

Notice that aluminum is in the third period and gallium is in the fourth period. That means that gallium has four main energy levels, while aluminum has only three. And that is why gallium is bigger than aluminum. read more

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Gallium Induced Structural Failure of a Coke Can - YouTube
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