Question

Write down the chemical properties of Silicon but do not get them confused with physical properties. How do the chemical properties of silicon allow its use.

Answer 1

Silicon has intermediate properties between carbon and germanium, since its atomic number is 14.

Because it is part of the metalloids, silicon is resistant to most acids and reacts with dilute alkalis and halogens. These properties allow it to have many uses, for example:

- Brick production (from silicon dioxide).

- Fertilizer (from silicon silicates).

- Manufacture of glass and insulation, and electrical circuit parts (because it is a semiconductor).

So, silicon is very versatile in addition to being a very abundant material.