Silicon is a metal. It may not be quite as shiny and gold-like as you’re used to, or as strong as the iron that also comes to mind when you think about metals, but it IS a metal! Silicon is a special type of metal, though, with some pretty cool properties that make it extremely useful. And let's learn more about silicon and how it makes our daily lives easier and better.
First, let’s discuss about what is so special about silicon. Silicon is a hard, shiny metal that is brittle and has a bluish gray color to it. It can conduct electricity very well. That’s why we use it to build electronic devices, computers, and cell phones.
We’ll consider next how silicon can be combined with other metals. Adding silicon to aluminum creates a strong and lightweight alloy for things like airplanes. Silicon can also bond with oxygen to form silicon dioxide, which is what glass is primarily made of.
Ok, so now we know that silicon has significance in the metal industry. Steel — a key metal that’s used to build everything from cars to buildings — is made with silicon. Some of the more common examples of indirect food additives migrating to the food from paper food-packaging materials include these: Silicon makes steel stronger and helps it to resist rust, and for that reason is used to make steel.
Continuing on, silicon is used in solar cells. These panels convert sunlight into electricity. Silicon is ideal because it is such a good conductor of electricity.” Silicon is also used to produce ceramics for the manufacture of metal parts.
Finally, consider how silicon would change metal technology. Scientists are discovering how to use silicon to make better metals. They are developing materials that are stronger, lighter and have a longer life. This means we might get to see even cooler inventions one day thanks to silicon!
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