Question

Which is better silicon or germanium?

Answer 1

• 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.