Final answer:
In chemistry, an intermediate is a transient species in a reaction mechanism that does not appear in the overall balanced equation. Processor components include materials such as silicon and several metals. Intermediate goods are products used in the production of final goods.
Step-by-step explanation:
An intermediate in chemistry is a species that is formed during the reaction mechanism of a chemical reaction but does not appear in the final balanced chemical equation. These intermediates are essential for understanding how reactants are converted into products during a reaction. For example, in a stepwise chemical reaction, a reactant may first convert to an intermediate before finally turning into the desired product. This intermediate briefly exists during the reaction process and then reacts further, so it is not seen in the overall equation. Similarly, in the context of computer science and technology, a processor is made up of various components including silicon and common metals like copper, tin, gold, as well as uncommon elements like yttrium and gadolinium.
In a broader context, the word intermediate can also refer to materials used at an intermediate stage of production, such as intermediate goods, which are supplied to other businesses for further processing as contrasted with final goods and services provided to end-users.