Silicon

element · semiconductors · technology

Element number 14. Silicon is a chemical element with the symbol Si, and it sits right in the middle of the periodic table between carbon above it and heavier elements below it.

Hard and sparkly. Silicon is a hard, brittle crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic shine that looks almost like metal, even though it's actually a semiconductor.

Powers your devices. Silicon is the star ingredient in transistors, solar cells, and computer chips because it's cheap, works amazingly well for electronics, and can be shaped in endless ways.

Helps plants grow. Silicon is essential for plants to survive and thrive, playing important roles in how they grow and handle stress from their environment.

Not very reactive. Silicon is pretty chill compared to other elements because it doesn't rush to react with everything around it, which makes it super useful and stable for technology.