SILICON Si Used In Computer Chips By: Mark Yang and Jason Light
Family: Metalloids Location on Periodic Table:
Atomic Number: 14 Atomic Mass: 28 Melting Point: o C Boiling Point: 2840 o C Density: 2.3 grams/cm 2
Characteristics: 1.Resembles the element Geranium. 2.Pure form is natural semiconductor. 3.Structure is like a diamond. 4.Color is gray and black. 5.Its hardness is 7 mohs. (A measurement of hardness) 6.Good insulator. 7.Poor conductor of heat. 8.Has no smell or taste.
Other Uses: 1.Makes solar cells to provide electricity for calculators and satellites. 2.Converts sunlight into electric energy. 3.Used in a computer chip. 4.Lubricant. 5.Used for making glass.
Why Silicon in computer chips? Silicon is a semiconductor which can be altered to be either a conductor or insulator. Also it is used to make microprocessors in computer chips.
Other Elements Used Boron is used because it has heat resistance alloys. Aluminum and copper are used to conduct electricity throughout the microprocessors. Gold is used to connect the chip to the package.
Bibliography Book-Knapp, Brian, Silicon, Grolier Educational, Danbury, 1996, all. Book-Krebs, Robert E., The History and Use of our Earths Chemical Elements, Greenwood Pres, Westpoint, Connecticut, Websites