Page 149 - The Periodic Table Book

Uses Silicon wafer SILICON IN SPACE

Earth and Mars contain similar amounts of
Opal is silicon. This element forms on the outer layer,
a jewel or crust, of both planets. In contrast, the Moon
containing Opal ring is almost half silicon. Astronomers think this
both silicon
oxide and tells us that the Moon was formed from Earth’s
water surface after an asteroid smashed into our
molecules. planet about 4.4 billion years ago.
Thin slice of silicon
Screens of silicon-based The Carbon Group
smoke can be used in battles.
Solar panels

Mars Earth Moon
21% silicon 27.7% silicon 45.5% silicon

Smokescreen Sunlight-powered plane

The engines run on electricity This silicone tray is soft,
produced using sunlight. but it does not melt in the oven.
Silicone
baking mould

Ceramic vase
Silicone watch

Aerogel conducts
the heat from the
flame poorly,
preventing
it from passing
to the flower.
Ceramic is
made of a silicon-
based clay that
has been shaped
and permanently This silicone
hardened by heat. band is flexible
and strong.

Silicate aerogel in
an experiment

One of the most important uses of silicon is in that does not conduct heat well. It is used in
electronics. Thin slices called silicon wafers fire-fighting suits, and prevents flames reaching
drive electronic circuits. This versatile element a firefighter. Another silicon compound is
is also used to turn sunlight into electricity in silicone, which can be moulded into any
solar panels. Artificial silica is used to create shape, and is used in a wide range of
aerogel, a lightweight but tough substance products from baking moulds to watches. 147

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