Uses of Silicon (Si)

Silicon

Symbol	Si
Atomic Number	14
Atomic Mass	28.0855 g.mol -1
Discovered by	Jöns Jacob Berzelius in 1824

Table of Contents

• • Chemical Properties of Silicon
  • What is Silicon?
  • Polymers of Silicon
  • Uses of Silicon
  • Properties of Silicon
  • Certain Facts about Silicon

Chemical Properties of Silicon

What is Silicon?

• Silicon (Si) is a close relative of carbon (C) in the periodic table.
• The atomic number of silicon is 14 and the symbol Si.
• It is a member of group 14 with four valence electrons.
• Silicon makes up 27.7% of the earth’s crust.

Polymers of Silicon

1. Silanes

Silanes are members of homologous series of silicon hydrides, and they are very strong reducing agents. They catch fire very easily and are very reactive when exposed to air. They are not stable at room temperature.

2. Silicides

Silicides have structures that are similar to carbides and borides and therefore, the heats of formation are usually similar to that of carbides and borides of the same elements.

3. Silica

These are also known as silicon dioxide and their major constituents are granite and sandstone.

4. Halides

Silicon carbides and silicon react with stable halogens forming silicon tetrahalides. These silicon tetrahalides readily hydrolyse in water, unlike carbon tetrahalides.

5. Silicate Minerals

About 95% of the earth’s rocks consists of silicate minerals. If the mass is taken into consideration, then around 28% is of the earth’s crust consists of silicon.

6. Silicic Acids

Increasing the concentration of water results in the formation of hydrated silica gels. Most of the silica acids exist in aqueous solutions.

Uses of Silicon

• The element is a major constituent in ceramics and bricks.
• Being a semiconductor, the element is put into use for making transistors.
• Silicon is widely used in computer chips and solar cells.
• It is a vital component of Portland cement.
• Silicon is used in the production of fire bricks.
• Several waterproofing systems employ silicones as a component.
• Silicon is used in many mould release agents and moulding compounds.
• It is also a component of ferrosilicon – an alloy widely used in the steel industry.

Properties of Silicon

• Silicon could be found attached to other elements, for instance, oxygen (O).
• Silicates are the rocks which contain both silicon and oxygen.
• When decontaminated, it is a greyish crystal that looks metallic.
• Although it may be glistening like metal, it is not a metal.

Certain Facts About Silicon

• Silicon was isolated and forced to develop its first crystals in the year 1854.
• In the periodic table, one can find silicon just underneath carbon in the third row of the periodic table.
• Silicon’s electrons are arranged in a makeup comparable to carbon.