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Question

Which is better silicon or germanium?


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Solution

  • Silicon is preferred over germanium because its atomic number is 32, whereas silicon's atomic number is 14.
  • The valency of electrons in both atoms is the same, but they are in different shells; in silicon, the valance electrons are in the third shell,
  • Whereas in germanium, the valance electrons are in the fourth shell, which means they are farther away from the nucleus, so valance electrons experience less force of attraction.
  • They could then easily escape the outermost shell and get free.
  • This also means that the Ionization potential of Germanium is lesser than that of Silicon.
  • But, Silicon atoms are more stable than Germanium atoms at high temperatures. Also, silicon is abundant in nature, they are less expensive than germanium.

Hence, Silicon is preferred over germanium.


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