Question

Silicon is an important constituent of: (a) Amalgams (b) Chlorophyll (c) Haemoglobin (d) Rocks

Short answer

Silicon is an important constituent of rocks.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Context

Silicon is a chemical element known for its widespread occurrence in nature. It is important to consider where it typically appears and its common uses.

Analyze Each Option

Evaluate each option to determine which are composed of or contain silicon. - Amalgams are primarily composed of metals, often including mercury. - Chlorophyll is a molecule involved in photosynthesis, containing magnesium, not silicon. - Haemoglobin is an iron-containing protein in red blood cells. - Rocks often contain silicon, as many minerals and most of Earth's crust are silicon compounds.

Match Silicon with Correct Option

Based on the analysis, rocks contain silicon as it is a major component of minerals present in Earth's crust, primarily in the form of silicates.

Confirm the Correct Answer

Ensure that 'Rocks' is the correct answer by verifying that silicon in the earth mostly exists within rocks and minerals that contain it in large quantities such as quartz.

Key concepts

Rocks and Minerals

Rocks and minerals form the foundation of Earth's crust. They are natural substances we encounter every day, though we might not always notice them. Rocks are generally composed of two or more minerals, while a mineral is naturally occurring solid crystalline with a specific chemical composition.
Understanding the difference between rocks and minerals is essential. Minerals, like quartz and feldspar, are the building blocks of rocks. When these minerals group together, they form the rocks that make up the Earth's surface.
Some popular types of rocks include igneous rocks, formed from cooled molten lava or magma, sedimentary rocks, accumulated from particles or sediment, and metamorphic rocks, which are altered by intense heat and pressure. Each type of rock has different properties and compositions due to the combination of minerals within them.

Earth's Crust Composition

The Earth's crust is a thin, outer layer made up of solid rock and minerals. It plays an important role in supporting life and forming landscapes. The crust varies in thickness, from about 5 kilometers under oceans to up to 70 kilometers under continental areas.
One remarkable fact about the crust is that it is rich in silicon, making it one of the most abundant elements. Silicon predominantly combines with oxygen to form silicate minerals, which constitute about 90% of the Earth's crust.
Key elements that bound together to create this rocky layer include oxygen, silicon, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium. These elements, when combined in various proportions, form the vast array of minerals and rocks that create the crust. Knowing its composition helps us understand geological processes and the formation of valuable resources.

Silicate Minerals

Silicate minerals are a group of minerals that contain silicon and oxygen. They are the most abundant group in Earth's crust, forming the backbone of the planet's structure.
Silicates are important as they make up about 90% of the Earth's crust, thanks to silicon’s strong affinity for bonding with oxygen. This results in a variety of interesting structures like chains, sheets, or complex frameworks, which gives silicates a wide range of physical properties.
Some examples of silicate minerals include quartz, feldspar, mica, and olivine. Each possesses unique qualities that affect their uses and appearances. For instance, quartz is renowned for its hardness and resistance to weathering, making it prevalent in sand and sandstone. Developing an understanding of silicate minerals helps in grasping why silicon is so pervasive in nature and instrumental in forming the planet's mineral composition.