What is Gallium arsenide?
[[File:GaAscrystals.JPG|thumb|Gallium arsenide]] '''Gallium arsenide''' is a [[chemical compound]]. Its [[chemical formula]] is GaAs. It has [[gallium]] and [[arsenide]] [[ion]]s in it. The gallium is in the +3 [[oxidation state]]. ==Properties== Gallium arsenide is a gray [[solid]]. It makes [[crystal]]s in a [[cube]] shape. It reacts slowly with water and quickly with [[acid]]s to make [[arsine]]. It [[oxidation|oxidizes]] in air. ==Preparation== It is made by reacting [[arsenic trichloride]] or [[arsenic]] with gallium. ==Uses== Gallium arsenide is mainly used as a [[semiconductor]]. It has several things better about it than [[silicon]]. The semiconductors made are faster and higher power. LED's using gallium arsenide are efficient. Silicon, though is cheaper. [[Silicon dioxide]] is a good insulator; gallium arsenide does not make a good insulator like silicon does. Silicon semiconductors also take less power than gallium arsenide ones. ==Related pages== *[[Aluminium arsenide]] *[[Gallium(III) oxide]] [[Category:Arsenic compounds]]