Discovery Information
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Who: Jons Berzelius |
When: 1823 |
Where: Sweden |
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Name Origin
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Greek: thallos (young shoot) from a bright-green line in its spectrum. |
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Sources
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Silicon is the second most abundant element and comprises 25.7% of the earth's crust (oxygen is first). Makes up major portion of clay, granite, feldspar, mica, asbestos, quartz (SiO2), and sand.
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Uses
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Used in glass as silicon dioxide (SiO2). It is used as a semiconductor to make microchips for electronics (like your computer). Silicon is also used in solar cells,
tools, cement, LCDs, grease and oils.
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Notes
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Silicon carbide (SiC) is one of the hardest substances known.
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A serious lung disease known as silicosis often occurred in miners, stonecutters, and others who were engaged in work where
siliceous dust was inhaled in great quantities.
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