Silicon is the most abundant electropositive element in The Earth's crust. It's a metalloid with a marked metallic luster and very brittle. It is usually tetravalent in its compounds, although sometimes its bivalent, and it's purely electropositive in its chemical behaviour.
What are the properties and uses of silicon?
Silicon is one of the most useful elements to mankind. Most is used to make alloys including aluminium-silicon and ferro-silicon (iron-silicon). These are used to make dynamo and transformer plates, engine blocks, cylinder heads and machine tools and to deoxidise steel. Silicon is also used to make silicones.
What are 5 uses of silicon?
Uses of Silicon
- The element is a major constituent in ceramics and bricks.
- Being a semiconductor, the element is put into use for making transistors.
- Silicon is widely used in computer chips and solar cells.
- It is a vital component of Portland cement.
- Silicon is used in the production of fire bricks.
