silicon [Si]
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Introduction
From the Latin silex meaning flint. Discovered in 1824 by Jons J Berzelius
Occurrence
- occurs combined with oxygen as silicon dioxide (SiO2)
- second most abundant element on earth
- makes up 25.7% of earth's crust
Characteristics
- tetravalent nonmetallic element
- amorphous silicon is a brown powder
- crystalline silicon is dark gray with a blue tinge
- pure silicon is covered with a layer of SiO2, rendering it inert to air or water
Uses
- alloys
- electronic devices
- transistors & other solid-state devices
- lasers