eli5: What exactly is silicone and why is it so essential to making electronics ?
In: 45
Silicon =/= silicone.
Silicon (Si) is an elemental semimetal. It’s a semiconductor, meaning it’s worse at conducting electricity than pure metals, but better than insulators. It’s an essential component in solid state transistors, the fundamental building block of digital computers since the 50s. Without silicon, you can’t make electronics.
Silicone is a catch-all term for various types of organic silicon compounds. It is generally a rubbery, elastic material used in all manner of applications, from industrial machinery to children’s toys.
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