Si - 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 lustre, and it is a tetravalent metalloid and semiconductor. Silicon is the eighth most common element in the universe by mass, but very rarely occurs as the pure element in the Earth’s crust. It is most widely distributed in dusts, sands, planetoids, and planets as various forms of silicon dioxide (silica) or silicates.

Physical Characteristics

• Appearance: Silicon appears as a blue-grey metallic solid in its crystalline form.
• Atomic Weight: 28.085 u
• Density: 2.33 g/cm³ at 20 °C
• Melting Point: 1,414 °C (2,577 °F)
• Boiling Point: 3,265 °C (5,909 °F)
• State at Room Temperature: Solid

Applications

• Semiconductors and Electronics: Silicon is most widely used in the semiconductor industry for the manufacture of microchips, transistors, and diodes. Its semiconducting properties make it ideal for electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, and solar cells.
• Solar Panels: Silicon is used in the manufacture of solar panels due to its semiconducting properties and its ability to absorb sunlight efficiently.
• Silicone Production: Silicones, a diverse family of synthetic polymers, are made from silicon and widely used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications, and as insulation.
• Alloys: Silicon is used to produce various alloys, including ferrosilicon, which is a critical component in steel making, improving the strength and quality of steel.

Compounds

• Silicon Dioxide (SiO₂): Also known as silica, it is found in quartz, sand, and various minerals. Silica is used in the manufacture of glass, concrete, and as a filler in paints and plastics.
• Silicon Carbide (SiC): Known for its hardness, it is used as an abrasive and in high-performance brake discs and ceramics.
• Silicones: These are polymers containing silicon together with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes other elements. Silicones are used in a wide range of applications, from industrial sealants and lubricants to medical implants and cookware.

Basics on Silicon-Wikipedia