Question

The electronics industry manufactures semiconductor chips from silicon. Refer to the periodic table and predict an element that may substitute for silicon.

Short answer

Germanium is a suitable substitute for silicon in semiconductor chips.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Silicon's Position

Silicon is located in Group 14 (IVA) of the periodic table. It has an atomic number of 14 and is in the same group as carbon (C), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), and lead (Pb). Elements in the same group have similar properties because they have the same number of valence electrons.

Identify Possible Substitutes

To find a suitable substitute for silicon, consider elements in the same group because they share chemical properties. In Group 14, aside from silicon, we have carbon, germanium, tin, and lead. However, only germanium is another semiconductor used for making chips, closely related to silicon's chemical and physical properties.

Evaluate the Suitability

Germanium is used in semiconductor technology, similar to silicon, due to its effective ability to conduct electricity. While tin and lead do not possess the semiconductor properties needed, they are good conductors of heat and electricity, differing significantly from silicon's usage.

Conclude the Best Alternative

Since germanium shares similar properties with silicon and is also used in semiconductor technology, it is the best choice as a silicon substitute in chip manufacturing.

Key concepts

Silicon

Silicon is a remarkable element, crucial to the electronics industry. It serves as the backbone of semiconductor technology. Found in Group 14 of the periodic table, silicon is known for its semiconducting properties—meaning it can conduct electricity under certain conditions. This characteristic makes silicon incredibly valuable in making electronic devices such as microchips and solar panels.

• Silicon has an atomic number of 14.
• It shares its group with elements like carbon, germanium, tin, and lead.

Silicon’s ability to balance between conducting and insulating electricity is due to having four valence electrons. These electrons allow silicon to form covalent bonds, essential in creating the crystal lattice structure seen in semiconductor chips. This structure is pivotal for the controlled flow of electricity. Silicon's widespread availability and favorable physical properties, such as thermal stability and oxide formation, further enhance its utility in tech applications.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is an organized map of all known chemical elements. It arranges elements in a way that highlights recurring chemical properties. This systematic layout is incredibly useful in predicting the behavior of elements.

• Elements are ordered by increasing atomic number.
• Each column in the table is referred to as a 'group', indicating elements with similar chemical properties.

In the context of semiconductors and the exercise mentioned, Group 14 is particularly important. This group includes elements like carbon, silicon, and germanium, all sharing similar chemical properties due to their valence electron configuration. Understanding an element's position on the periodic table can reveal insights about its chemical reactivity, state of matter, and potential uses in various industries. The periodic table not only helps in identifying substitutions for elements like silicon but also supports advancements in scientific research and technological innovations.

Germanium

Germanium is a fascinating element and a key player alongside silicon in the world of semiconductors. Like silicon, it belongs to Group 14 in the periodic table and shares some similar properties. Germanium was one of the first materials used in transistor technology.

• Germanium has an atomic number of 32.
• It is a metalloid, similar in behavior to silicon.

Germanium's semi-conducting properties make it valuable for creating components that can efficiently control electrical flow. It’s especially known for higher electron mobility compared to silicon, providing faster operation speeds which is advantageous in some applications. However, germanium is less abundant than silicon and slightly more challenging to work with due to its sensitivity to heat. These factors limit its widespread use compared to silicon but still make it an alternative for certain niche applications where speed and efficiency overrule the cost. Understanding germanium's role and its properties unveils why it's considered a suitable substitute for silicon in semiconductor technology.