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Introduction

In the world where technology is advancing at a rapid pace, silicon is playing a pivotal role. From the smartphone you carry in your pocket to the computer you work on, silicon is everywhere. This article will explore why silicon has become an indispensable part of our digital life.

The Role of Silicon in Computer Chips

Silicon is the second most abundant element on the earth’s crust. Its semi-conductive properties make it an ideal material for manufacturing computer chips. At room temperature, silicon can act as an insulator, but when heat is applied, it behaves more like a conductor. This property, combined with its high melting point, makes silicon an excellent choice for computer chips.

Why Silicon?

The secret to silicon’s success lies in its atomic structure. Silicon atoms have 14 electrons, arranged in three different shells. The first two shells are completely filled with 2 and 8 electrons, respectively. The outermost shell has four electrons. These four outer electrons are crucial because they can form covalent bonds with other silicon atoms, creating a sturdy and stable crystal lattice structure that is ideal for semiconductors.

“Silicon is the heart of any electronic device. It’s the second most abundant material on earth, and yet, it holds the potential to drive the most advanced computer systems.” - Gordon E. Moore, co-founder of Intel Corporation.

Feature Silicon Other Material
Atomic Structure Stable crystal lattice Less stable structures
Thermal Conductivity High Varies
Abundance High Varies
Cost Relatively low Varies

Mining Silicon

Silicon is typically mined from sand which is virtually unlimited in supply. Sand is made of silica (a compound of silicon and oxygen). To extract the silicon, the sand is heated in a furnace, and then purified to produce metallurgical-grade silicon. This is further processed to produce electronic-grade silicon, which is used in computer chips.

The Future of Silicon

Despite its dominance, silicon is not perfect. One of the challenges is that as chips become smaller and more powerful, managing heat is becoming a significant issue. Scientists are researching other materials like graphene and gallium nitride that could potentially replace or be used alongside silicon.

Learn more about the use of silicon in computer chips

Conclusion

Silicon, despite its common occurrence in earth’s crust, has become a game-changer in the world of technology. Its unique properties have made it a cornerstone of the computer chip industry. As we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of technology, silicon’s role may evolve, but its importance in our digital lives is undeniable.