Silicon

Silicon is a chemical element with the symbol Si and atomic number 14. It is a hard, brittle crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic luster. It is a tetravalent metalloid and a member of group 14 in the periodic table, along with carbon, germanium, tin, and lead.

Properties of Silicon

Silicon has several important properties:

• Atomic number: 14
• Atomic mass: 28.0855
• Melting point: 1414°C
• Boiling point: 3265°C
• Density: 2.329 g/cm3

Occurrence

Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, making up about 27.7% of the crust by weight. It is rarely found as a pure element, but rather as silicon dioxide (SiO2) in the form of quartz, or as silicate minerals.

Uses of Silicon

Silicon has a wide range of uses:

• Electronics: Silicon is a key component in the production of semiconductors and integrated circuits used in electronic devices.
• Solar cells: Silicon is used to make photovoltaic cells for solar panels.
• Construction: Silicones, compounds containing silicon, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen, are used in sealants, adhesives, and as a waterproofing agent in construction.
• Alloys: Silicon is used as an alloying agent in the production of aluminum alloys, and in the production of ferrosilicon for steelmaking.

Study Guide

To study silicon, consider the following:

1. Learn the properties of silicon, including its atomic number, atomic mass, melting point, boiling point, and density.
2. Understand the occurrence of silicon in the Earth's crust and its common forms, such as silicon dioxide and silicate minerals.
3. Explore the various uses of silicon, especially in electronics, solar cells, construction, and alloys.
4. Examine the role of silicon in the production of semiconductors and integrated circuits, and its importance in the field of electronics.

[Silicon] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Elements and the periodic tableScience • Seventh Grade
• Earth's CrustEarth Science • High School