Silicon: The King of Electronics

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Atomic number: 14
Atomic weight: 28.0855 amu
Classification: Metalloid

Silicon is the most widely used semiconductor. A semiconductor is a material that won’t ALWAYS conduct electricity, but it won’t ALWAYS block the flow of electricity either. So a semiconductor is something in between a conductor (which always conducts electricity) and an insulator (which always blocks electricity). Tech people love semiconductors because they can adjust certain conditions to control when a semiconductor conducts or does not conduct electricity.

Semiconductors are very important in electronic devices, especially computers. It’s so important that the hub of technological innovation is named after the element: Silicon Valley.

Silicone oil is a lubricant added to make-up and hair conditioners, while silicone rubber is the waterproof sealant you see in between the tiles in your bathroom.
Sand and clay have lots of silicon, and both materials are used to make concrete and cement. Sand is the main material for glass.

Silicon is essential to plants. Phytoliths (a fancy name for silica particles) form in living plants. Even after the plant dies they don’t rot. Thus when the plants form fossils, the phytoliths remain, and are used by scientists to study ancient life.