Silicon
by Yogi P - September 20, 2023
Silicon: The Basis of Modern Life
Silicon is a chemical element with symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a hard and brittle crystalline solid with a blue-gray metallic luster and is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. It has a wide variety of uses in everyday life, and is effectively the basis of modern civilization.
History and Discovery of Silicon
Silicon was first identified in 1824 by Swedish chemist Jöns Jakob Berzelius. Silicon was thought to be an element at first, although this was later disproved. In 1854 Henri Sainte-Claire Deville named the element silicon, taking the name from the Latin word silex, which is referring to flint or quartz. Today, silicon is involved in the creation of millions of products around the world, truly making it a miracle element.
Properties of Silicon
- Atomic number: 14
- Symbol: Si
- Atomic mass: 28.0855
- Melting point: 1414° C
- Boiling Point: 3265°C
- Density: 2.33 g/cm³
- Valence electrons: 4
Silicon’s key characteristics are that it has low electrical resistivity, a high thermal conductivity, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion.
Uses of Silicon
Silicon has a variety of common and lesser-known applications, both on its own and when combined with other elements. It is used as the main component in concrete, glass, and brick, and is also found in deodorants, soaps, and toothpastes. When combined with oxygen, silicon forms silica, which is used to make sand. Silicon is also found in computer chips, making it a key material for modern computing and electronics.
Safety Precautions
When handling silicon, it is important to use the appropriate safety equipment. Proper gloves and goggles should be worn while manipulating the element. It is also important to store silicon in a dry, cool space away from other flammable products.
Conclusion
Silicon is an incredibly abundant and versatile element. It is an integral part of modern life, from the construction industry to the computing world. With proper safety precautions, the everyday use of silicon has made the modern world what it is today.
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